Use this guide if you are moving in with a partner without marrying or forming a civil partnership, or have lived together for years without sorting the paperwork. This is general information for England and Wales; Scotland has some different rules, so check with a solicitor or Citizens Advice for your situation.
Step by step
Understand the common-law marriage myth
There is no such thing as common-law marriage in England and Wales, however long you live together or whether you have children. Unmarried partners do not have the same automatic rights as married couples or civil partners to property, inheritance or financial support if you split up or one of you dies. Knowing this is the reason the rest of the steps matter, so read the cohabitation information on GOV.UK or Citizens Advice together.
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