The BBC Sounds podcast host is urging couples to ensure they have a Will, especially during Free Wills Month, which takes place in March.

Martin Lewis has issued a warning to couples who live together but aren’t married. The BBC Sounds podcast host is urging couples to ensure they have a Will, especially during Free Wills Month, which takes place in March.

He said: “If you die will-less, the state decides where your assets are directed, and it depends on which of the UK nations you’re in. In England, for example, if you’re married, the first £322,000 goes to your spouse, after that, it’s divided between your spouse and your children.

“Now you might have adult children from a previous relationship that you want to protect. They might get nothing if you don’t have a will. Doing a will means you decide.” Martin said: “Wills are so important because you generally have no status in law.

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“The intestacy rules go to a spouse or a civil partner – they don’t go to an unmarried couple. I don’t care if you lived together 20 years and you have 30 kids, it doesn’t matter. You might, depending on the way it’s structured, you might not even get the family home.”

The ITV star signed off by saying: “That’s the general rule.” On its website, Money Saving Expert explains: “As well as financially providing for children after your death, if they’re under 18 you should consider who’d look after them by nominating a legal guardian or guardians in your will.

“If you die without a will, and there’s no other person with parental responsibility, the courts will decide who takes care of your children. This may not chime with your wishes, so it’s essential to record them in a will.

“If you aren’t married or in a civil partnership, then don’t expect anything to go to your partner if you don’t make a will. At worst, this might mean them not being able to stay in the home you shared. Where your partner is financially dependent on you, they might have to go through the legal system to secure financial provision from your estate if you don’t have a will in place at the time your death. “