Petition Better rights for cohabitants

We call for the implementation without delay of proposals giving cohabiting couples fair and reasonable redress upon relationship breakdown and upon intestacy, based upon the proposals made in the Law Commission’s 2007 and 2011 reports because:
1. The present lack of provision protecting cohabiting couples upon relationship breakdown is unsatisfactory and unfair to them and their children;
2. The law of intestacy needs reform to protect the position of those in cohabiting relationships when their partners die;
3. The Law Commission’s proposals are fair, proportionate and workable and would not in any sense undermine marriage or civil partnerships;
4. Achieving fair arrangements for cohabiting couples on relationship breakdown and intestacy is a necessary part of creating a fair society.