More people are choosing not to enter into marriage but to live together instead. Contrary to popular belief, the concept of the "common-law marriage" is not recognised in English law. In general, if a couple is living together they will have fewer rights than if they are married. This means, for example, at the demise of a relationship, a cohabitant does not have automatic rights to a property if their name does not appear on the title deeds. Furthermore, cohabitants do not have a right to receive maintenance for themselves from their former partner.

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Aspects of status with a partner can be formalised by drawing up a cohabitation agreement, outlining the obligations and responsibilities of each partner towards the other. A couple may also enter into a series of legally enforceable contracts in respect of specific matters such as property.

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Our friendly team of experts are able to offer advice on the following issues:

• Claims to an interest in a property owned in a former partner's name

• The extent of your interest in jointly-owned property

• Co-habitation contracts

• If your partner has died and not made any financial provision for you

• Whether you are entitled to financial provision for your children

Our understanding team of family experts includes:

• members of The Law Society Family Panel

• a trained collaborative lawyer.

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