If you live together (or “co-habiting”) without getting married or having a civil partnership, you do not have any special legal rights or entitlements, and there is no such thing as a “common law” wife or husband (even though newspapers, for instance, often refer to common law spouses).
This area of law is complex and you will probably need expert advice. If you do not have a cohabitation agreement, or a trust deed regarding any property you own, then you will have to rely on a complex trust law to resolve any disputes about property. You will not be entitled to any maintenance for yourself or any spousal pension entitlements (but you are entitled to claim child support for any dependant children, so long as your partner is a parent). If you wish to discuss this further then please call Nicola Harmon
