Asking about one another's finances and secret addictions before getting married or moving in together is essential if a couple's relationship is to last the distance, according to Bross Bennett.

The list of straightforward and decidedly mundane questions was put together as a seperate study by website unbiased.co.uk found that January is the busiest month for divorce lawyers. Here are some of the questions lawyers say couples should ask before committing to one another.

How does each of you view sharing these assets?

Do you have the same attitude to saving?

Family Ties

What sort of relationship do you have with your extended family?

Are they local? Over-involved?

Have you had any major fallings out?

Children

Do you want children? How many?

How do you want to raise your children? What sort of values do you want to pass on?

Do you have opposing views about the benefits of state versus private education?

Work

Are your respective career paths compatible?

Will you want to give up work when you have children?

What does your partner think about this?

Roles

Will you expect to live along traditional lines - woman as homemaker and man as bread-winner?

Who will organize the finances?

Will household responsibilities be shared equally?

Leisure

Do you like the same things?

Do you have the same idea of a dream holiday?

Lifestyle

Do you have any secret addictions, such as handbags, shoes, chocolate or football?

Honesty

Do you still hold feelings for old flames?

Religion

What religion - if any - will you bring the children into?