In response to growing concerns over the lack of legal protections for unmarried couples, the Government has confirmed it will launch a public consultation on cohabitation reform later this year.
The announcement comes after Manuela Perteghella, Liberal Democrat MP for Stratford-on-Avon, posed two written questions to the Secretary of State for Justice. Perteghella pressed the Government on whether it plans to introduce legislative proposals to ensure equitable asset distribution for cohabiting couples upon separation, and what assessment has been made of the impact that the non-recognition of such partnerships in family law has on economic abuse.
Responding on behalf of the Government, Alex Davies-Jones, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, acknowledged the financial difficulties faced by individuals when cohabiting relationships end. She confirmed that the Government is committed to strengthening the rights and protections for women in cohabiting relationships, aligning with its broader pledge to tackle violence against women and girls. Davies-Jones said:
“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.”
The move signals a step forward in addressing the legal gap that leaves many cohabiting individuals – particularly women – without fair recourse when relationships break down, often resulting in significant financial and emotional hardship.
