Website of the UK government

And breaking up can be especially messy if you're cohabiting with your significant other and you don't know your rights.

Two million couples cohabit in England and Wales, with one in four children being born to unmarried couples.

According to a survey into social attitudes, 50.7 per cent of people think that couples who have lived together for a while have the same rights as married or civil partners and that a 'common law marriage' has recognised legal status. They also wrongly believe that by having a child together they acquire legal rights.

And a recent study, conducted by Expedia and Match.com, showed 42 per cent of Brits have argued with their partners on holiday, with one in ten splitting up while abroad. Some married couples in Britain admit to applying for a divorce after falling out with each other on holiday.

Many couples decide to cohabit for a number of reasons. But only couples who marry or enter into a civil partnership will get certain rights, including legal recognition of their relationship.

Justice Minister Bridget Prentice said: "People living together should not assume that they will automatically have the same rights as married couples or civil partners. In court, there is no such thing as a common law marriage.

"Before you are at the stage where you start living together, make sure you know your rights."

Unless a will is made, your surviving partner may inherit nothing if you die. Likewise, no matter how long you've lived in your home, if you don't have a financial stake in a property, you have no right if the relationship breaks down.

Further information

The Ministry of Justice is providing practical advice on how you can protect yourself, your children and safeguard your future on the 'Advice now' and the 'Married or not' websites.

• Married or not campaign Opens new window
• Living together Opens new window