PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
LEGAL RIGHTS FOR COHABITEES WHO SEPARATE (22 November 2017)

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.

Sponsored by:
Caroline Lucas (Green Party)