The short answer is: far less than if you were married. Unmarried couples who separate may be able to make claims against property that they own jointly or that one partner owns solely. Unlike divorcing couples, they cannot receive a share of the other’s pension; receive a lump sum payment (except in limited circumstances relating to children); have property transferred to them; or receive spousal maintenance unless any of these things were agreed in writing. However, if the other party is not prepared to make a payment then the courts cannot assist.