Consultation Response
Our response to the Minister of Justice Consultation on Fairer End to Relationships
Read our response to reform the law governing financial arrangements and protections when relationships end
Summary
An equal division of assets when relationships ends does not always produce a fair outcome. Women are more likely to have taken on unpaid childcare and other caring responsibilities, affecting their earnings, career progression, housing security, wealth and pensions. These inequalities can continue long after separation and may be compounded by domestic and economic abuse.
In our response to the Government’s A Fairer End to Relationships consultation, we argue that divorce and cohabitation law should recognise economic disparities created during a relationship and prioritise fair, sustainable outcomes over a simple 50:50 split. Courts should consider unpaid care, future earning capacity, housing and pension provision, and have the flexibility to meet people’s long-term needs. We also call for stronger protections for cohabitants and meaningful access to legal advice and representation.
- Topics
- Social Care and Health