"Awonderful urban myth". So De-nise Knowles, a counsellor, describes the widely held view that lovers acquire legal rights in England after living together for a few years. About half of all cohabiting couples seem to believe there is such a thing as common-law marriage, and many reckon they would be entitled to a share of their partner's property if the relationship broke down. At present, they are mistaken. But the Law Commission, which recommends legislation to Parliament, wants to turn myth into reality.
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