To think there’s nothing for me to gain from marriage?

I’d say marriage only benefits when women give up jobs or go part time when they have kids.

Marriage is a piece of paper and an expensive dress and alot of stress if u need these things thst badly go for it but at end of day that all you are getting

Marriage protects anyone who has reduced their earning potential and often won't get a pension or much of one as a result because they either stopped work or worked part time in order to raise children.

If you aren't in that situation and you own property jointly (or don't own any at all, a lot of people rent) and have your own pension, don't have enough £ that would make it make financial sense to be married because of tax allowances etc then no, it doesn't benefit you because you've not lost anything and don't need to be made whole.

We are in a similar position OP no intention of marrying for tax reasons but will do eventually for the same reason.

Do you have joint bank/savings account? You say everything is paid 50/50 so if something happened to one of you tomorrow does the other have the means to continue paying the bills until the will has been fulfilled and access to the other persons accounts is gained.

Same here (after 20 years together). We just treated it as an errand to sort out some legalties, as that's all it is when you boil it down. No rings, no name changes, no one else's business really.

I never fancied getting married, but it seemed easier than figuring out nearest possible equivalents with a solicitor, so we just nipped down to the register office with two friends. I forget we did it half the time, partly because hardly anyone knows.

I've never understood while people with no intention of having children get married.

Yes but a lot of defined benefit don't. I work in this area so know this.

I’d go for LPA and check out inheritance tax. Are you sure your pensions will pay out in the same was as if you were married? I.e. a dependants pension rather than just a life insurance pay out to nominee?
You could get married without any fuss - it may be easier in the long run.

@Capertillar Spouses need LPA as they don't automatically have it via marriage.

"If you're married or in a civil partnership, you may have assumed that your spouse or civil partner would automatically be able to make decisions about your finances or your health and care if there comes a time when you can no longer do so. But without an LPA, your spouse or civil partner doesn't have this authority." - from https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/legal-issues/power-of-attorney/

Please could someone explain why spouses need LPA?

Absolutely nothing! You’ve covered all the bases. Only thing remaining is inheritance tax

Married people need LPAs too, but you should put them in place.

She does say they've nominated their pensions to each other, so it's safe to assume they've checked that.

Both I and my partner's pensions (large workplace providers) pay out to partners, it's quite common now.

Oh and yes sort out power of attorney

Some types of pensions will only pay out to legally married spouses so be careful there.
You won't get the protection from Inheritance tax either.

I am the higher earner and always have been , although the gap is closing I'm likely, save any health issues, to always be. We do have a DC but I've been promoted twice since he was born so never had any intention of putting my career on hold. I got married because I wanted to be married. If you don't I wouldn't. I only really see it advocated here where one party is compromising their financial independence and security for the benefit of the family (often the woman) , you're not in that position so it's just about if you want to be married or not (and inheritance tax)

I generally think people mean 'marriage protects mothers' who generally take a financial hit when they have a baby and generally get left with more of the childcare after a split.

In your situation the only other things I'd consider are, do you have life insurance (private and through work as a death in service benefit) and are you both recipients. And who would have the power to make medical decisions in serious scenarios (eg switching life support off).

A spouse doesn't have to pay any inheritance tax, you would. I have friends of friends that got really burnt by this. I guess it depends if the house you own/ savings would be enough to put you in that threshold.

You should get Lasting Power of Attorney set up, to make life easier if one of you is incapacitated or dies. And do keep an eye on the inheritance tax threshold, especially if you own a home which increases in value over the years.

But otherwise - nah. You're good.

Next of kin can be nominated in the uk with no legal requirements. I’d carry a card in your wallet naming each other, and make sure your GP has you listed as each others next of kin.

Stay as you are. You have no children and earn your own money. Perfect.

Apart from inheritance tax, I wouldn't marry in these circumstances either.