This is a very interesting question, which I have heard discussed a few times, but have not seen a systematic answer to.
Treoir has an excellent booklet Cohabitants -
New legal rights and obligations for opposite and same sex couples
This is my summary, but I am not a lawyer
She can claim to be a
cohabitant after 2 years if you have children together or 5 years, if you don't have children.
If the relationship ends, she can apply to court for an order for:
- compensatory maintenance
- pension adjustment
- property adjustment
- provision from your estate after you die
If you are a qualified cohabitant and can show the court at the end of your relationship that you are financially dependent on your ex- partner you can apply for a Compensatory Maintenance Order, which is an order for regular maintenance or a lump sum.
...
If you are a qualified cohabitant and can show the court at the end of your relationship that you are financially dependent on your ex- partner you can apply for a Property Adjustment Order - an order which transfers or settles a property.
There is no automatic right to such an order. She must establish that a) she is a qualified cohabitant and b) that she is financially dependent on you
What does the court take into account before making these orders?
In making a decision, the court must take into account a number of things, including:
- The financial needs and obligations of each cohabitant
- The rights of others including spouses, former spouses and children
- The duration and nature of the relationship
- The contribution made by each to the relationship, financial and otherwise
You can enter a cohabitants agreement
This regulated joint financial matters during your relationship and after it ends.
You can agree that neither of you will apply for a Redress Order after your relationship ends
The agreement must be in writing and signed by both of you.
You must take separate legal advice on it or take joint legal advice and waive the right to independent advice in writing