If you cohabit and/or have a child but are unmarried, is there a way to legally protect yourself in the event of a split?

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If you cohabit and/or have a child but are unmarried, is there a way to legally protect yourself in the event of a split without getting married? Esp if you are the much lower earner in the relationship?

Civil partnership?

But I'm guessing what you are actually asking is how to protect yourself financially as the person you are in a relationship with won't agree to enter into any of the legal options available that would protect you as the lower earner and main child carer if your relationship ends.

The answer then is to continue to work full time, increase your own earnings as much as possible and insist on a fair division of housework and childcare responsibilities.

Not really as your partner can always go behind your back and change their will (which is a problem if they die before you).

You do need to make sure both names are on all the bills, council tax and mortgage/rent or they can one day just tell you (and any kids) to leave.

What do you mean by protect yourself?

Make sure your name is on the title deeds of any property. Name on the bills kinda doesn't matter except for building up a credit record or no claims bonus on car insurance. Make sure you have equally access to money and both of you have equal savings in your own names

Single people have zero legal status or protections, you have to opt in to having them, by marriage.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/living-together-marriage-and-civil-partnership/living-together-and-marriage-legal-differences/

Obviously don’t give up your job, or fund a house that you have no right to be in, etc. too.