DMcG ~~ I take your point indeed. Civil [register office] marriage is at present intended to cover that need ~ perhaps it is just a matter of what you call it. The confusion you rubricate is probably down to the fact that many misguided people will persist in the belief that those who have been together for a certain time have the rights of a so-called 'Common Law Marriage', while there is in fact no such status recognised in law ~~ as one lawyer put it not long ago, "You might as well call a nut-cutlet a Common Law Steak". But there are people who believe the folklore and just will not be persuaded different. It is their own obstinate fault if they have inheritance problems when they could have sorted out the whole matter over a brief period for about £70 and a quarter-hour spent in front of the registrar. Perhaps calling it a civil partnership instead might work with them; but I doubt if it would make much difference.

~Michael~