Check The Deeds

Not knowing what your other half is up to financially is hardly exclusive to Tessa Jowell. Whether it's to do with credit cards, mortgages or tax, couples are often in the dark as a result of not understanding where they stand legally in relation to their or their partner's money. And anyone who believes a wedding certificate is just a piece of paper can think again. Couples who are not married could risk losing their entire share in a house if they are not on the mortgage deeds or have not made a will.