- Announcement of Government consultation marks major step towards fairness for unmarried couples.
- Cohabiting couples are fastest growing family type, yet current laws have not kept pace with society.
- Move comes after years of campaigning by family law group Resolution.
The body, which represents 6,500 family lawyers and other professionals who support families through separation, has heralded the announcement as a ‘landmark move towards fairness for families’.
Melanie Bataillard-Samuel, Chair of Resolution, said: “For too long, unmarried partners have been placed at risk of significant financial hardship and uncertainty when their relationship comes to an end through separation or death. The current law has simply not kept pace with changes in society, and often enables perpetrators of domestic abuse to continue that abuse after a relationship has ended.
“Today’s announcement is a welcome and significant step towards ending the endemic unfairness for cohabiting couples that Resolution’s 6,500 members see day in, day out. We look forward to these reforms being implemented to create a system that is fit for modern society.”
Jo Edwards, who chairs Resolution’s Family Law Reform Committee, added: “Resolution has been campaigning for these reforms for many years. Since securing the introduction of no-fault divorce a few short years ago, our members have consistently told us that cohabitation was the next major priority for change. Today’s announcement is testament to the hard work of Resolution members across the country.
“After working closely with government officials and parliamentarians, we are delighted that we now have a blueprint for reform which represents a landmark move towards fairness for families.”
The consultation paper, expected to be published today, is anticipated to seek views on proposed reforms in a range of areas alongside protection for cohabitants at the end of their relationships, including financial remedies on divorce, and what happens when cohabitants die without leaving a will.
Graeme Fraser, Chair of Resolution’s Cohabitation Committee, said: “Reform in this area is long overdue, and it’s great to see Resolution’s work over the years bear fruit. As professionals who see people dealing with the fallout of the current lack of legal protection, we know just how much these reforms are needed.
“We look forward to providing our views on the government’s proposals, and will continue to work with officials and ministers ahead of any legislation being introduced, which we hope will be introduced at the earliest possible opportunity.”
Further information
- The consultation launched on June 5 and run for 10 weeks, closing on August 14.
- The consultation is open here.
- The government is proposing cohabitants should have lived together for at least three years or share a child to access the framework. Courts must also be satisfied couples are in an enduring family relationship.
- The government will consider the findings of the consultation carefully before finalising policy. Finalised reforms will then take place when parliamentary time allows.
