Opens a weather website straight away. You can also press the Escape key twice.
Make space for what's next.
Next steps ยท England and Wales

Lived together but weren't married: your next three steps

The rules for the home and money are different if you weren't married or in a civil partnership. Start with these three.

Last checked: 27 October 2026. See our sources.

Your next three steps

  1. Know that your rights are different

    Living together, even for a long time or with children, doesn't give you the same legal rights as being married or in a civil partnership.[1] 'Common law marriages' don't exist in England and Wales.[1][2]

  2. Check whose name is on the home

    You own all or part of a home if your name is on the legal title.[3] If you rent, your rights usually depend on whose name is on the tenancy agreement.[1]

  3. Write down what you agree

    It's a good idea to write down what you agree about dividing everything. You're both more likely to stick to it.[1] The private money picture tool can help you list what you own and owe.

That's enough for now. Everything else can wait until you're ready.

If you want more detail

These are optional. You don't need them for the three steps above.

Somewhere else? We've just separated, We're deciding about the house, We're sorting out the money, We're sorting things for the children, Our divorce or dissolution has started, Not sure yet, or helping someone.

Who can actually advise you

Splitt gives general guidance, not advice. For advice on your own situation, these are the people to talk to:

  • Family solicitorGives legal advice on your rights and options, and whether you're getting a fair deal. A solicitor can also ask a pension on divorce expert to look at your pensions.[4]
  • Family mediatorHelps you both work through the decisions you need to make, without taking sides. A mediator can't give advice, but is usually much cheaper than legal advice.[4]
  • Financial adviserGives financial advice, for example on your pensions and how a settlement affects your plans for the future.[4]
Free, impartial help, and how to find a mediator or family lawyer

Free, impartial help

Find a mediator or family lawyer

Directories run by professional bodies. We don't recommend or receive anything from any listed professional.

Sources

Last checked: 27 October 2026. We read every source below on that date. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you act.

  1. How to sort out your finances on separation if you were living together, MoneyHelper. https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/family-and-care/divorce-and-separation/how-to-sort-out-your-finances-on-separation
  2. Separating or divorcing: what you need to do, GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/separation-divorce
  3. Protecting your home ownership rights during separation if you were living together, MoneyHelper. https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/family-and-care/divorce-and-separation/protecting-your-home-ownership-rights-during-separation
  4. Split pensions in a divorce or dissolution, MoneyHelper. https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement/pension-problems/split-pensions-in-a-divorce-or-dissolution

If you need support right now