In some places, if you live with a partner for a certain amount of time, you can be considered ‘common law’ partners. This means that you have some legal rights, comparable to a married couple. While common-law marriages are recognised in some parts of the world, they aren't in Scotland and the UK.

This law doesn’t exist in Scotland, but there are laws to protect your rights and assets if you are unmarried and living with your partner.

It's important to know that these aren't the same rights as couples who are married or are in a civil partnership have, but they do go some way towards protecting your property.

The laws are different in other parts of the UK, and they're complicated. If you'd like to know more, go to the Shelter website, view the Family Matters: Living Together In Scotland information on the Scottish Government website, or talk to your local Citizen's Advice Bureau.