UK government consults on cohabitation law reforms

The UK government is conducting a consultation on proposed reforms to strengthen the legal rights of cohabiting couples in England and Wales. The proposals aim to address the ‘cohabitation gap’ by introducing financial remedies for qualifying couples and automatic inheritance rights for surviving partners. Currently, unmarried couples have limited financial protections upon separation, regardless of the duration of their relationship.

The Law Society of England and Wales has welcomed the plans, noting that the reforms would bring existing court principles on financial remedies into legislation while maintaining judicial flexibility. The society highlighted that the changes could allow judges to consider the economic consequences of domestic abuse when making orders.

However, legal representatives have emphasized that for these reforms to be effective, they must be accompanied by increased investment in legal aid. The Law Society warned that restricted access to legal aid, caused by outdated means tests and a dwindling supplier base, could prevent survivors of domestic abuse and vulnerable families from accessing necessary support and representation.