The gothic spires of 113 Chancery Lane may evoke a certain romance for some, but last week the Law Society of England and Wales did its level best to pour cold water on the Valentine’s spirit.

Or at least chief executive Janet Paraskeva did, quoted in a not-at-all-ambulance-chasing Law Society press release. Jan’s prize musings include the observation that “very few people think twice about how their new status [as a couple] will affect their legal rights. It is important to get good quality legal advice so that both parties will be protected if things go wrong.”