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This page is for you if you are living with someone but have never married or formed a civil partnership. It sets out financial issues which arise if you chose to separate.
There is a lot of jargon when it comes to separating and the same issue can be known by multiple names. This page contains information about cohabitation, living together if not married, families who are not married, schedule 1and common law spouse.
The law is very different for those who have never married or formed a civil partnership. You do not need a legal process to separate. A court is not allowed to adjust the ownership of assets. You do not have entitlement to maintenance for yourself, although you may be entitled to maintenance for a child.
There are applications you can make under the Married Women’s Property Act 1882, Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 and Children Act 1989 Schedule 1 (if you have children).
The law governing family relationships for couples who do not marry is complex and specialised. Early advice is recommended.
There is no legal status given to a “common law spouse”. It is a term still used to describe a couple who live together, but it does not confer any rights to property or financial help.