Letter to the Editor of The Guardian in response to Baroness Deech

Sir,

Baroness Deech’s article [14 July] opposing cohabitation law reform overlooks the reality faced by 3.5 million couples in the UK. While she argues that couples who choose not to marry should not acquire legal rights automatically, the current system of no rights leaves too many vulnerable people, particularly women and children, without meaningful protection when a relationship ends or a partner dies. Many still mistakenly believe in the myth of “common law marriage”. The proposals aim to strike a balance between respecting autonomy and protecting the vulnerable.

The law must reflect modern life. Many couples raise children, share finances and build lives together without marrying, sometimes for cultural, personal or financial reasons, often because one person doesn’t want to marry. That should not mean that the financially weaker party is left facing hardship.

Reform is also essential for victims of domestic abuse. Many remain trapped because they simply cannot afford to leave an abusive relationship without any legal or financial safety net. A clear legal framework would provide greater certainty and fairness while remaining straightforward enough for people to navigate – and, crucially, with an opportunity to opt-out of the default position.

Countries across the world have introduced sensible protections for cohabiting couples without undermining marriage or having the catastrophic consequences opponents predict. The ongoing consultation offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernise family law and create a fairer, more coherent system of rights and responsibilities. This is a pivotal moment for family law reform and one that professional organisations such as Resolution have campaigned for for over two decades. It is an opportunity the Government is right to seize.

Yours faithfully,

Jo Edwards,
Chair of Resolution’s Family Law Reform Committee.

15 July 2026