The Law Society has called for reform of cohabitation law to allow cohabitants proper redress in the event of a relationship breakdown, when their financial and property rights need to be adjusted.

Responding to the Government’s refusal to enact legislation, Law Society President John Wotton said this area of law is in need of reform to provide a more rational and structured system than exists at present. He said:

“One of the roles of the law is to protect the vulnerable. The law that currently exists for cohabitants is disjointed and grossly inadequate. Solicitors practising family law regularly see injustice when cohabiting couples' relationships break down. Unmarried couples who are living together and those who are still married, but are now living with a new partner, need to know where they stand in the event of a break-up.”