What is a common law partner?

A common law partner is a term to describe two people who live together as a couple in a long-term relationship, but are not legally married or in a civil partnership.

There is a popular misconception that a “common law marriage” or “common law partnership” grants a person a similar status to marriage. This is false.

Common law partners have very limited legal rights compared to married couples or those in civil partnerships especially in terms of financial claims if the relationship ends. If an unmarried couple want similar legal protection, they either need to get married or become civil partners.

Alternatively, they could enter into a Cohabitation Agreement to protect their interests.