Cohabitation agreements

1. What legal status does a common law spouse have?
2. Wouldn't drawing up a cohabitation agreement harm our relationship?
3. What should we cover in a cohabitation agreement?
4. Should our cohabitation agreement include rules for the relationship such as who does the housework?
5. Can we use an informal cohabitation agreement or does it need to be a legal document?
6. Is a cohabitation agreement legally enforceable?
7. Will a cohabitation agreement have any effect if we later get married?
8. What are the options if one of us owns the property we live in?
9. How can I ensure that my rights in relation to the property are legally enforceable?
10. What is the situation if we live in rented property?
11. How should other assets owned by one of us be treated?
12. Are assets we buy together automatically jointly owned?
13. How does the way we share expenses while we are together affect how assets are shared out if we break up?
14. How can I ensure that we are not liable for each other's debts?
15. What rights and responsibilities do I have for my partner's children?
16. How can I give my partner the same rights and responsibilities for my children as a natural parent would have?
17. What should we do to protect ourselves in case one of us suffers from major long-term illness?
18. How can I ensure that my partner inherits if I die, and how can I minimise any inheritance tax?
19. Can I ensure that my partner is entitled to my pension, and any other company benefits, if I die?
20. How often do we need to review our cohabitation agreement?
21. How are disputes relating to a cohabitation agreement resolved?
22. Is the legal position on cohabitation likely to change?
23. Is the legal position the same for gay couples as it is for heterosexual relationships?
24. What is the civil register and is there any advantage to registering our relationship?