Mr Smith owns his own home. Miss Johnson, his partner, has lived with Mr Smith since the purchase of the property and has contributed to the home financially. Mr Smith dies unexpectedly and does not leave a will. Under the intestacy rules the property will not pass to Miss Johnson but instead, to Mr Smith's next of kin, eg his blood relatives.

A cohabitation agreement and a will could have ensured that the property was transferred to Miss Johnson upon Mr Smiths' death.