Practical benefits of being married?

[Doglove]

Just that really.
I’ve been with partner for many years, we have one daughter and a mortgage in both our names, joint account in both our names, car etc. Everything is split equally.
If we were ever to separate, what difference would it make to that if we were married?

The only thing is if one of you died, it will be so much easier to deal with stuff. And there are benefits available to those legally married that aren't available to co-habiting couples.

Do you earn an equal income? Do you have equal pensions? Did one of you miss out on promotions/ higher earning potential due to childcare?

The main difference that I'm aware of is that if one of you were to die and the value of your estate was above a certain amount, your spouse wouldn't be liable for inheritance tax. Also you should write wills if you haven't already.

No inheritance tax to pay on your estate if one of you dies. If your income or assets were to become unequal at a later date everything would be owed jointly, which you could see as an advantage or disadvantage!

You get to inherit without paying tax.
You inherit automatically, rather than your children. If you split you have a claim on each other's stuff.
And if you want you can have the convenience of a mutual name.

In my case I would receive half my partners private pension each month and him mine.