What is the problem with the current law on cohabitation?
The main problem is that there isn’t one. At the moment cohabiting couples have virtually no protection on relationship breakdown as the law affecting them at the end of their relationship treats them as two unrelated individuals. It takes no account of their relationship and does not try to achieve a fair outcome between former partners. There is no legal provision for the payment of maintenance, even on a limited basis, to enable a person to get back on his or her financial feet after a relationship breakdown. While maintenance claims for children can be made under separate laws, payments will end when the children leave home.
