Here are some important facts to remember:

Couples that choose to live together rather than marry have no financial guarantee if it all goes pear shaped. For example, a couple contributing different amounts to a mortgage or deposit has no legal rights; the name on the title deed will receive the whole property, irrespective of the other persons investment.

National marriage statistics revealed there were 270,700 marriages in England and Wales in 2004, but there were 153,400 divorces. It also indicates the number of couples cohabiting in the UK is increasing.

Getting a trust deed through your solicitor when you buy a property is advisable so that shares of ownership are clearly defined. Its a very simple document and doesn't really cost anymore than