It is hard to fathom where the myth of “common law marriage” is derived from

However, the fact is that an unmarried couple must rely mainly upon property rights. A lifelong partner who is not on the title to the family home may be left with nothing if the relationship breaks down, or if that partner dies without a Will.

There are some straightforward steps that can and should be taken to try to avoid an unjust and unfair outcome (and, potentially, a lot of cost and heartache). So:-

i) If you are buying a property together, ensure that there is a deed or declaration of trust and that each of you will have a fair share of the property if the relationship ends;

ii) Better still, enter into a cohabitation agreement, confirming how all of your assets will be shared if your relationship breaks down and whether one should provide ongoing financial support to the other;

iii) Make a Will. If you do not, then your partner will not inherit anything from your estate under the intestacy rules and might be left trying to make a claim against the estate as a dependant, no matter how long you have lived together; and

iv) Nominate the person who should receive any death-in-service benefits, life insurance pay outs or pension benefits in the event of your death. Ask your employer, pension company or life company for the appropriate forms.