Marriage has been statistically on the decline for some time, and while cohabitation is one of the fastest growing family dynamics in England and Wales, there are still no solid laws protecting cohabiting couples, with current legislation surrounding this remaining outdated, complex and often unfair.
However, in a recent announcement, the Government has confirmed there will be a forthcoming public consultation aimed at reforming the legal protections for cohabiting couples, with a particular focus on tackling concerns about economic abuse.
Government Launches Consultation on Legal Protections for Cohabiting Couples
Highlighted in a recent article by Today’s Family Lawyer, the announcement came in response to written questions posed to the Secretary of State for Justice by Liberal Democrat MP Manuela Perteghella. Perteghella pressed the Government on its plans to introduce legislative proposals regarding equitable asset distribution for cohabiting couples upon separation. The questions also asked what assessment has been made regarding the implications of not recognising such partnerships in family law and how this lack of recognition may contribute to economic abuse.
Alex Davies-Jones, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, responded on behalf of the Government and acknowledged the financial difficulties unmarried couples face when a cohabiting relationship ends. She stressed that the Government is committed to strengthening the rights and protections for women in cohabiting relationships who are more prone to suffering financial abuse, which is aligned with a broader pledge to tackle violence against women and girls. Davies-Jones was quoted as saying:
“As part of our work on cohabitation reform, we are carefully considering issues relating to cohabitation and domestic abuse, including economic abuse. We will launch a public consultation later this year to build public consensus on what cohabitation reform should look like.”
Source: Today’s Family Lawyer –
Government to launch consultation on legal protections for cohabiting couples amid concerns over economic abuse.
Cohabitation Reform
This development represents a significant step towards closing the legal gap that leaves many cohabiting individuals—particularly women—without fair recourse when relationships break down and in fear of financial hardship. Family Law Legal groups, such as Resolution, a community of family justice professionals dedicated to helping families and individuals resolve issues constructively, have been actively campaigning for reform in cohabitation laws.
Resolution’s longstanding campaign, Family Law Reform Now, aims to raise public awareness and change the law to provide legal protections for cohabiting couples, to secure fair outcomes at the time of their separation. At Rose & Rose, as members of Resolution, we fully support this campaign and welcome the hopeful changes in the law that will address these challenges and enhance legal protections for cohabiting couples.
Read some of our previous articles for further related information:
Cohabitation Solicitors
For those seeking to understand their rights and protections as cohabiting partners, our highly experienced family law solicitors can provide guidance and support on cohabitation and cohabiting couple’s rights. It is always important to seek professional legal advice to ensure the best course of action for your situation. To speak with one of our specialist Family Law team, contact us via the links below.
This blog post is not intended to be taken as advice or acted upon and information may have changed since publication. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our team of solicitors.
