The love test that could help couples avoid pain of divorce

Dating couples should share any secret addictions, give details of former partners and even make decisions about housework if they want their relationship to survive, according to a leading law firm.

All are questions in a test that lists the essentials every couple should investigate before getting married or living together.

Others in the Bross Bennett test include how much money each partner has, how intrusive their in-laws are, how many children they want and whether they prefer state or private education.

Couples were urged to try the compatibility quiz after separate research revealed January is Britain's busiest divorce month.

Ruth Bross, a partner at the firm, said: "No employer would offer someone a job without considering their suitability for that position and neither should a couple embark on a lifelong commitment without doing their research.

"There is little point in building a future with someone if they are not prepared to be truthful."