Proposed reforms of cohabiting couples’ legal rights have been shelved for the duration of this parliamentary term
In a written statement, justice minister Jonathan Djanogly said the government had considered the Law Commission’s report, Cohabitation: The Financial Consequences of Relationship Breakdown, as well as research into the operation of the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006, but had not found a “sufficient basis” for change.
He added: “Furthermore, the family justice system is in a transitional period, with major reforms already on the horizon.”
Law Commissioner Elizabeth Cooke responded: “We hope that implementation will not be delayed beyond the early days of the next Parliament, in view of the hardship and injustice caused by the current law.”
In 2007, the Law Commission recommended a new optional scheme of financial remedies for cohabitants with children or who had lived together for a prescribed number of years, and for awards to be based solely on contributions made to the relationship.
