Key Takeaways
There is no "common law marriage" in England and Wales
Unmarried partners have no automatic property rights regardless of how long they lived together
Property ownership depends on whose name is on the title
Cohabitation agreements can provide protection
Do unmarried couples have the same rights as married couples?
No. Unmarried couples have far fewer legal rights than married couples. When an unmarried relationship ends, there is no family court process to divide assets fairly.
The phrase "common law marriage" has no legal meaning in England and Wales. It does not matter that you:
Lived together for 20 years
Have children to...
