If you are not married or in a civil partnership and your relationship breaks down, the legal issues that you face could be complex. Contrary to popular belief, couples who cohabit do not benefit from the same legal rights as married couples when the relationship comes to an end. The concept of ‘common law marriage’ simply does not exist in our legal system.

As the law presently stands, the types of financial claims that can be made by unmarried partners are limited. The absence of legal protection can lead to uncertainty and financial difficulty at the end of the relationship unless a claim can be made with respect to ownership of property or a financial claim on behalf of a child.