There is no such thing as ‘common law marriage’; it is a myth! It doesn’t matter whether you have lived with your other half for three, five, ten or more years, under the current law co-habiting couples do not have the same legal rights as married couples to ask for financial relief based on things like incomes, needs and health. This is especially relevant if your relationship ends and applies to property ownership, pension sharing or financial spousal support. However, former cohabitees may be able to claim money or property if they had an agreement with their former partner which they kept to or if they have children together who need support.
