A NORTH-EAST law firm is pressing for more rights for unmarried couples as the region's figures on cohabiting reach an all-time high.

Darlington firm Latimer Hinks is drafting a letter to local MPs asking them to support the latest private members' Bill on the issue, which will go before Parliament this year.

Under English family law, people who cohabit outside marriage do not have the same legal rights and duties as married couples.

A Civil Partnership Bill, introduced by Lord Lester of Herne Hill, has once again sparked a debate about the issues relating to rights of same and opposite sex couples, and cohabiting adults with children.

Judith Middleton, a lawyer at Latimer Hinks, said that almost 30 per cent of adults in the UK are cohabiting, and 24 per cent of children are born to couples outside marriage.

In the North-East, the figures are higher still, with more babies born outside marriage than to married couples.

Ms Middleton said: "The law is antiquated and does not reflect the shift in culture and social values present in the UK today.

"Legislation should allow that cohabitants would acquire certain rights after they have lived together for a certain period of time, for example two years, or have had a child together.

"This legislation should extend to same-sex couples, but as they do not have the choice between marriage and cohabitation, they should be allowed similar rights to those of married couples.

"There is a common misconception that by living with someone for a length of time you acquire the same rights as if you were married. The law formally recognises only marriage unions, and there is no protection for unmarried couples, even if a child is involved."

She said that couples often believed they were entitled to 50 per cent of their partner's assets, but in the eyes of the law they have few legal rights.

"Common law marriage does not exist in this country," she said.

The Solicitors Family Law Association is urging its members to raise awareness of the problem.