Former law lecturer Baroness Ruth Deech has warned the government has no clear mandate for introducing automatic legal rights and obligations for cohabiting couples without their consent
A Survation poll of more than 2,000 adults found 72% had heard little or nothing about the government’s proposals, and only 37% supported them after they were explained.
Responding this week to the Ministry of Justice consultation, A fairer end to relationships, the crossbench peer argued a simple opt-in system for unmarried couples would be fairer.
Under the proposals, rights to pensions, inheritance, property and other assets would automatically apply after three years or the birth of a child unless both partners formally opt out after first obtaining independent legal advice.
Baroness Deech said: ‘I believe those rights should continue to be based on informed consent.’
