The cold hard truth, though, is that no such legislation exists in the UK and in the event of a separation, you may find it almost impossible to make a financial claim against your former partner.
Already a difficult time emotionally, the practicalities of splitting your assets – particularly your house – without a specific, prior agreement in place can result in added heartache and even greater expense.
Our advice? Any couple who are buying a home together need to consider a co- habitation agreement. Our lawyers can help draft a document that will clearly set out what will happen to your home in the event of separation and who is responsible for paying the bills and maintaining the property.
A growing issue
Statistics show that unmarried couples living together are the fastest growing family type in the UK, with many choosing to get married later in life, or not at all.