Unmarried couples may get right to share of assets after break-up
The government is considering strengthening the financial position of those who choose not to marry
“Family lawyers have welcomed the consultation as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to make the law fairer for the UK’s 3.5 million cohabiting couples, more than double the number 30 years ago.”
“David Lammy, the deputy prime minister and justice secretary, 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”
“The consultation, published on Friday, puts forward proposals on how the assets of cohabiting couples, including property, pensions and savings, could be divided more fairly if they split up. The document states: “Under the proposed model, the court would begin from the position that each person keeps what they legally own.”
The consultation will also consider whether cohabiting couples should be eligible for maintenance payments after separation, albeit on a more limited “needs” basis than would be the case on divorce.
https://www.thetimes.com/uk/law/article/cohabiting-couples-split-share-house-sale-k3v5bbt72
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