Motor Common Law Spouse

[Starting Out]

Hi There,

Does anyone know what exactly the legal definition of "common law spouse" is? I'm currently in the process of renewing my car insurance and a lot of companies when I mention I want to insure my girlfriend (who I live with) on the policy, say "we'll just put her down as common law spouse so".

Does anyone know what the legal situation is with this? Knocks about €50 off the insurance but it'd be nice if the insurance was actually valid as well!

Thanks,
Starting Out

 

[Mrs Vimes]

There's really no such thing as "common law spouse", it is used to mean cohabitee, but had no legal basis. If you are living with your girlfriend then I would consider that any reasonable person would understand that to be what is meant.

I wouldn't worry about the insurance being valid at all.

Sybil