Olivia Piercy discusses how proposed cohabitation reforms could strengthen protection for economic abuse victims in FT Adviser
Olivia’s article was published in FT Adviser, 19 June 2026, and can be seen here.
Olivia Piercy, Partner in our Family & Relationships team, explores how the government’s proposed cohabitation reforms could mark a significant step forward in protecting victims of economic abuse following relationship breakdown.
Olivia highlights the growing recognition that domestic abuse often continues after separation, particularly through financial control such as withholding assets, cutting off support, and restricting access to information.
Her article considers the shortcomings of the current legal framework, especially for cohabiting couples, who lack a statutory system allowing courts to divide assets based on fairness or need. Instead, outcomes are often determined by what can be proven about the parties’ intentions, an approach that assumes equality and autonomy, which is rarely present in abusive relationships.
She examines how this imbalance can have serious consequences, particularly for children, whose needs are not prioritised when unmarried parents separate. She also reflects on how domestic abuse is frequently overlooked in financial proceedings, with courts applying a high threshold before considering conduct relevant, leaving many survivors without meaningful financial redress.
The proposed reforms would allow courts to take account of need, prioritise children, and better recognise domestic abuse in financial decisions. Olivia concludes that while these changes represent meaningful progress, effective procedural safeguards will be essential to ensure that survivors can access fair outcomes without further harm through the court process.
Read the full article on the FT Adviser website [subscription required].