Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Second Report - The rights of cohabiting partners
Women and Equalities Committee
HC 92
Published 4 August 2022
Recommendations
2
Accepted in Part
It is staggering that so many people in England and Wales believe in the common...
Recommendation
It is staggering that so many people in England and Wales believe in the common law marriage myth. This misplaced belief in legal protections can have profound consequences for cohabiting partners—many of whom do not realise the reality of their …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts the recommendation, agreeing to reach out to women in religious communities regarding the consequences of non-legally binding weddings, and will consider whether a broader information campaign is appropriate after reviewing the Law Commission report on weddings law.
Government Equalities Office
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Conclusions (1)
1
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Para 23
The current law applicable to cohabitants on relationship breakdown can be costly, complicated and unfair. Complex property law and trusts principles often require the financially weaker partner—often women—to demonstrate direct financial contributions to the acquisition of the family home, while childcare and other non- financial contributions go largely unrecognised. Schedule …
Government Response Summary
The government commits to consider the best ways to raise awareness about the legal distinctions between marriage, civil partnership and cohabitation, including reviewing the information currently available to the public and considering better signposting for further information and support.