What are the benefits of UMH?

It is a figure that recognises the existence of family ties based on the cohabitation of a couple without the need to resort to any formal contract or agreement, since the union exists from the moment the cohabitation begins, not from the moment of its formal declaration. The declaration of the existence of the UMH, whether through a public deed, conciliation deed or court ruling, additionally allows couples living in cohabitation to have access to legal protection mechanisms such as family assets, the allocation of family housing, to have the status of heir or heiress and to receive the marital portion in the event of the death of one of the partners. In addition, the right to claim alimony, the recognition of the right to half of the assets acquired during the cohabitation, the possibility of applying for a Colombian visa as a permanent partner, among others. 

Note: A declaration by the UMH is not required for the partner to be included as a beneficiary in the health or pension scheme, but it is sufficient to submit an extrajudicial declaration of cohabitation. A declaration by the UMH is also not necessary to claim a survivor's pension, as cohabitation can be proved by witness testimony.