LEGAL RIGHTS FOR COHABITEES WHO SEPARATE

That this House notes that there are currently more than six million people in the UK who live together without being married or in a civil partnership, and that such cohabitees are the fastest growing family type; is concerned that, in England and Wales, such cohabitees have little or no legal protection or ability to access support if their relationship breaks down and they separate; further notes that countries such as Australia, Canada and Scotland legally recognise cohabitation relationships and provide legal protection; notes that Resolution's Cohabitaton Awareness Week takes place from 27 November to 1 December 2017 to help counter the widely held belief that cohabitees are protected under so-called common law marriage, and highlight the benefits of cohabitation, separation and living together agreements; and calls on the Government to act upon Resolution's proposal that cohabitees meeting eligibility criteria indicating a committed relationship have a legal right to apply to the courts for certain financial orders if they separate.