A Fairer End to Relationships: My response to the government consultation

On 5 June 2026, the government published a consultation paper for a reform of financial provision on divorce and to provide rights to cohabitants.  This has been a matter of much discussion including previous reform proposals over more than 25 years.  There is a fast response: 14^th August.  Here is my response to the paper.  There is much good in the proposals.  But equally there is still much uncertainty and I’m not convinced it will lead to more settlements.  Moreover where the government suggests there is a clear differential in outcomes between divorce and cohabitation, there is not in practice.  I’m very happy to discuss any of these matters as to either the government consultation or my present response