More than 3.5 million unmarried couples across the UK could soon benefit from stronger legal and financial protections, as the UK Labour Government launches a major consultation to modernise family law.
The reforms aim to provide greater security for couples who live together but are not married, reflecting changing family structures across the country.
Census data shows there are over 155,000 cohabiting couples in Wales who are set to benefit from the reforms.
Just under half of people (47 per cent) believe by simply living together, or having a child, they are in a “common law marriage” with the same protections as married couples. This is a myth.
Separation can be financially devastating, particularly where one partner has been economically dependent. The reforms aim to ensure fairer outcomes and reduce hardship during already difficult times.
The plans under consideration include:
- Better financial protections for survivors of domestic abuse when leaving an abusive relationship
- Greater weight given to the impact of domestic abuse when assessing finances for married and cohabiting couples
- Automatic inheritance rights for bereaved unmarried partners if a partner dies without a will
- Legally binding prenuptial and postnuptial agreements to ensure financial wishes are honoured in the event of divorce
- Clean breaks where possible, with the courts beginning from the position that each person keeps what they legally own
The government is proposing cohabitants should have lived together for at least three years or share a child to access the framework. Courts must also be satisfied couples are in an enduring family relationship.
Dame Nia Griffith, Member of Parliament for Llanelli, said:
“Financial security is more important than ever as we continue to face up to cost of living pressures across Llanelli and beyond.”
“The law around co-habitation urgently needs to be brought up to date to reflect the changing world we live in and the different choices people are now making in how they live their lives.”
“These proposals are firmly aimed at making the system fairer and more reflective of modern living, protecting those most vulnerable at the time of a breakup including those suffering bereavement or escaping horrific domestic abuse.”
It’s important that we continue to respect traditional models of family life but at the same time make the changes necessary to take into account the needs of people going through difficult relationship break ups and separations.”
The consultation launched on 5th June 2026 and run for 10 weeks, closing on 14th August 2026.?The government will invite views from the public, legal professionals, academics,?charities?and other stakeholders over the consultation period.?
Further information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-fairer-end-to-relationships