Lib Dem shake-up: Unmarried couples who split should have right to sue
Partners who have lived together for two years to get extra legal rights under proposals backed by Clegg leadership
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A shake-up of the law to give extra legal rights to unmarried couples who separate is set to be backed by the Liberal Democrat conference.
Supporters of the move say it is a widespread myth that cohabiting couples enjoy the same rights as if they had married. There are almost three million cohabiting couples in Britain.
The Law Commission suggested six years ago that former partners who have lived together for two years should be able to make a financial claim if they break up.
The amount awarded could reflect whether claimants suffered a financial loss – by giving up a job, for example – as a result of the relationship.
Lib Dem activists, tacitly supported by the party leadership, are calling for the proposals to be implemented. They are also pressing for the laws on intestacy to be reformed to protect cohabitants whose partner dies without leaving a will.
Critics will claim the plans risk undermining the status of marriage. But a recent poll of MPs discovered there was cross-party support for the changes, with reform supported by 60 per cent of parliamentarians.
The vote will be held on Monday and, if passed, will become official Lib Dem policy.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments