Being married - how would I benefit here financially?

[OhPleasePassTheSalt]

I’d like to be married, I’m not against it but me and DP are not at that stage and focusing on expecting DC soon.

I understand broader tax implications that are better if married. But in terms of own finances, if he’s on say 100k and I’m on 70k, each already own our own home and have similar savings, what’s the personal benefit to me in being married? Surely if we separated I have better financial protection not being married as I could claim child maintenance?

I also understand the situation if I drop a day at work etc but again, I go back to the child maintenance position and if he wasn’t supportive generally with childcare while I was working then that would be the answer wouldn’t it? As it stands, DP says he will pay for all living costs (food, bills, mortgage) as he currently does at his place anyway since we’ve moved in, so I will just have my usual running costs of my own home to pay in the background.

Wondering if I’m missing something?

[bumpertobumper]

Inheritance tax - there is none to pay if nhering from a spouse. If one of you dies while unmarried there will be a big tax bill to pay.
We got married so that if one of us was hit by a bus, the survivor wouldn't lose our home to hmrc, which in effect is what would have happened.
That and pensions - pre kids I had no intention of reducing my work/earning capacity. Circumstances meant that I ended up a sahp. Now retraining to get back to work that the kids are older, but have missed over a decade in the workplace and my earning potential will never be what it once was
It seems that your situation is different as you have a house each, but iht is something to factor into the equation.

[Lineala]

That is incorrect. Children inherit their father's estate irrespective of age under intestacy rules. It will be held in trust until they reach 18.

[Fireflygal]

The assumption pre children is you will continue to earn the same however pregnancy and childbirth can be unpredictable. I had a wonderful pregnancy but a child that didn't sleep for nearly 2 years and a H at the time who slept through anything.

I could barely function with lack of sleep let alone pursue my demanding career. My earnings took a nosedive whilst H career continued. Divorce acknowledged that I had made the career sacrifices.

I don't think you can assume you will be able to work full time post children unless you are 100% sure your partner will share childcare. That means not turning up for important meetings if the baby is sick. Most women find that the fathers will not step up. They get used to just being at work when the mothers are on mat leave.

However if you have greater assets and then marriage may not suit.