Resolution has today (Friday 14 August) submitted its response to the Government’s consultation on reforming the law around cohabitation and financial remedies.
Resolution has campaigned for reform of the law affecting cohabiting couples for decades, and welcomes the opportunity to shape reforms that will provide greater fairness and protection for families, in particular victims of domestic abuse.
With cohabiting couples continuing to be the fastest-growing family type, Resolution’s response outlines its support for urgent reform in this area.
The response also welcomes and provides members’ views on proposals to change how finances are dealt with upon divorce, which seek to provide more certainty and clarity to those whose marriages have come to an end.
Jo Edwards, who chairs Resolution’s Family Law Reform Group, said: “Today represents a significant step forward along the long road towards hoped-for reform. After many years of campaigning by Resolution, we are pleased the Government have undertaken this consultation and look forward to working with Ministers and officials as they take this forward.
“Resolution and its members will continue to engage with Government as it considers all the responses to the consultation and develops its proposals, with the aim of ensuring that any reforms deliver fair, workable and accessible outcomes for families and reflect the needs of modern society.”
Graeme Fraser, Chair of Resolution’s Cohabitation Committee, added: “Resolution has been calling for meaningful cohabitation reform for many years, and we have been delighted to help advise on this crucial change.
“All too often our members see the hardship and damage that is caused by the current legal framework – it is now time to deliver on this long overdue change which was a key manifesto commitment of the current government.”
Melanie Bataillard-Samuel, National Chair of Resolution, paid tribute to the work of members in drafting the response: “This paper is the culmination of a great deal of hard work by our members, committees, and staff team. All of our members owe huge thanks to those who have contributed their time, expertise and experience to developing our response.
“Their insight, drawn from working with families every day, has been invaluable in helping us put forward proposals that we hope will make a meaningful difference.”
