Changing the law for people who live together
Resolution has joined forces with one of Britain’s top law makers, Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC, to introduce a Bill this autumn to end the injustice and financial hardship faced by thousands of cohabiting couples, carers and siblings who live together.
The Bill’s introduction is part of a new campaign by Resolution, an association of 5500 family lawyers, and Lord Lester’s Odysseus Trust.
Lord Lester has a strong track record of achieving change. In 2006 he successfully introduced what became the Forced Marriages Act 2007. His Private Member’s Bills were instrumental in developing the Civil Partnership Act 2004 and the Human Rights Act 1998.
The characteristics of the modern family have changed dramatically over the past 50 years. People are living longer, caring for elderly parents, cohabiting rather than marrying and having children outside of wedlock. Family law in England and Wales is totally out of step with these realities and therefore the lives of a significant number of families.
Since 1996, the number of cohabiting couples in the UK has risen by more than 50 per cent to 2.2 million - one in six of all couples. Equally, an ageing population means that some 500,000 adults now spend 20 hours a week or more caring for a parent or parent-in-law, many living in the same home.
It is clear that the way we live is changing and our laws must change to match.
To find out more please see our press pack.
Looking for information on your rights?
Advicenow’s LivingTogether campaign explains what rights couples living together currently have, and how they can protect themselves
