More than 3.5 million unmarried couples across the UK could soon benefit from stronger legal and financial protections, as the Government launches a major consultation to modernise family law.
The reforms aim to provide greater security for couples who live together but are not married, reflecting changing family structures across the country.
Census data shows there are 433,453 cohabiting couples in South East who are set to benefit from the reforms.
Just under half of people (47 per cent) believe by simply living together, or having a child, they are in a “common law marriage” with the same protections as married couples. This is a myth.
Separation can be financially devastating, particularly where one partner has been economically dependent. The reforms aim to ensure fairer outcomes and reduce hardship during already difficult times.
Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, said: “When a relationship comes to an end, each partner should have the support and certainty they need to rebuild their life. We’re launching this consultation to make sure our new family law builds a fair system that offers the most vulnerable protection in the event of a breakup and at a time where the country is facing cost of living pressures.
“Whether you’ve been left bereaved by the sudden and unexpected death of a partner or escaped horrific domestic abuse, our laws should work to protect you.
“These reforms strike an important balance between tradition and modernity. I’m determined that our justice system works for everyone who needs it.”
Amanda Martin MP for Portsmouth North said: “Because of cost of living pressures felt across Portsmouth North, financial security is more important than ever. In the South East there are 433,453 cohabiting couples set to benefit from new protections under Labour’s reforms, bringing the law on cohabitation into the 21st century.”
“This is also a once in a generation opportunity to improve protections for victim survivors of domestic abuse, whether they hold a marriage certificate or not. Too often, cohabiting survivors are left with no safe route to separate financially from an abusive partner, forced to abandon their home, savings or financial security just to escape.”
