Skip to content

Reform of cohabitation law needed

Order this publication from TSO's Online Bookshop

Summary

Cohabitation outside marriage in England and Wales has become increasingly common over recent decades and is expected to become more prevalent in the future.

This Report from the Law Commission 'Cohabitation: The Financial Consequences Of Relationship Breakdown’ (Cm 7182) makes recommendations to Parliament on certain aspects of the law relating to cohabitants.

It considers the financial consequences of the ending of cohabiting relationships by separation or death and builds on the findings of the May 2006 consultation paper 'Cohabitation: The Financial Consequences of Relationship Breakdown - A Consultation Paper' (LCCP 179).

In this Report, the Law Commission concludes that reform is needed to address inadequacies in the current law and recommends a new statutory scheme designed specifically for cohabitants on separation, to address the economic consequences of contributions made by the parties during the relationship.

Found this story interesting?
Spread the news by clicking below to add it to your bookmarking service:

Law-Making Explained

This is a Command Paper (Cm. 7182 2006-07): it is a Report from the Law Commission.

Find out more about Command Papers.

How does it affect me?

If you are a cohabitant – i.e. live with a ‘common law’ partner – or work in relationship or family law, this affects you.

Have Your Say Now

Find out more about the Law Commission.

See more publications from the Law Commission.

See more on marriage, cohabitation and civil partnerships on Direct.gov.

Find out how to have your say