Jo Carr-West and Anna Roiser explain that coercive behaviour concerns should not derail cohabitation reform with FT Adviser
Jo and Anna's insights were published in FT Adviser, 3 August 2026, and can be seen here.
Jo Carr-West, Partner, and Anna Roiser, Senior Knowledge Lawyer, from our Family & Relationships department, argue that concerns about coercive and controlling behaviour should not be used as a reason to delay long-overdue reforms for cohabiting couples.
They examine the Government's consultation, A Fairer End to Relationships, which proposes greater legal protections for cohabitants, including financial remedies on separation and enhanced rights when a partner dies without a will. While the proposals have been widely welcomed across the family law sector, some critics have suggested they could create risks for financially independent individuals in coercive relationships.
Jo and Anna acknowledge the importance of addressing coercive and controlling behaviour but argue that these concerns are not unique to cohabitation. Similar issues can arise in marriage, prenuptial agreements and other financial arrangements, where individuals may face pressure that affects their decision-making.
They suggest that denying legal protections to all cohabitants because of the potential for abuse in some cases would fail to address the underlying problem and could leave many vulnerable people without support. Instead, they call for a wider discussion about how the Family Court should recognise and respond to coercion when determining financial claims following relationship breakdown.
The consultation presents a rare opportunity to close a significant gap in family law. They argue that reform should proceed, alongside a more modern understanding of how coercive behaviour can undermine personal autonomy and influence financial outcomes.
Read the full article on the FT Adviser website [account required].