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Cohabitation reform: what happens after the consultation

Published

The government's consultation on rights for couples who live together, A fairer end to relationships, closed on 14 August 2026. Its page now reads "We are analysing your feedback", and the government has not published a response or a date for one (GOV.UK).

Here is what usually happens next, and what it means for you in the meantime.

The steps from here

  1. The government publishes its response. It will appear on the consultation's own page, saying which proposals it will take forward and how (GOV.UK).
  2. A bill is written. The consultation says legislation will be introduced "when parliamentary time allows" (consultation document, next steps). Sometimes a draft is published first for scrutiny.
  3. Parliament debates it. A bill passes through both Houses, where it can be amended, before Royal Assent (UK Parliament, how laws are made).
  4. It comes into force. An Act often starts on a later date set by regulations. The details of who is covered, and from when, are settled in the Act itself.

Each step can take months. Nobody can honestly tell you yet when, or whether, new rights will apply to you (GOV.UK).

What has not changed

Until all of that happens, the current law applies (GOV.UK):

  • living together, however long, does not create a "common law marriage";
  • there is no general right to share property or income on separation;
  • there is no automatic inheritance if a partner dies without a will.

Our page Cohabitation law reform sets out the current law and the proposals side by side.

If you are separating now

Today's rules apply to you, not the proposed ones. Disputes about a home are usually decided under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (legislation.gov.uk). Claims for children go through the Child Maintenance Service or under Schedule 1 to the Children Act 1989 (legislation.gov.uk). A family lawyer can tell you where you stand (Resolution, find a law professional).

If you are planning ahead

The useful steps are the same whatever the government decides:

  • know how you own your home;
  • make wills;
  • talk about money while things are calm.

Writing down what you have agreed means you both remember it the same way. As proposed, a formal opt-out from any new rules would need a deed, financial disclosure and independent legal advice for each of you (consultation document, Part 2).

This post explains the process in general terms. It is not legal advice.

Free to read: The Bearing, The Atlas and The Routes.