Common law marriage: Does it exist for couples?

Many cohabiting couples assume that living with their partner for a long time provides them with legal rights, similar to that of a spouse, should the relationship come to end, writes Emma Darley, of Ringrose Law, Newark.

Contrary to popular belief there is no such thing as a ‘common law marriage’ in England and Wales.

It is not possible to automatically acquire any rights to your partner’s property, regardless of the length of the relationship.