A fairer end to relationships consultation

Closes 14 Aug 2026

This service needs cookies enabled.

Part 3: Reforming the law for cohabitants on intestacy

43. Should qualifying cohabitants receive the same intestacy rights as spouses or civil partners?

Please give reasons for your answer.

44. Should qualifying cohabitants have the same priority as spouses and civil partners to apply for a Grant of Administration where their partner dies intestate?

Please give reasons for your answer.

45. What, if any, are the other factors the government should consider when deciding on the definition of a cohabitant for the purposes of intestacy rights?
46. What do you consider to be an appropriate minimum duration period where the couple do not have a child together?

Please give reasons for your answer.

What are the potential unintended consequences of setting either a shorter or a longer minimum duration period?

47. What do you consider to be an appropriate minimum duration period where the couple have a child together?

Please give reasons for your answer.

Are there any specific risks or benefits you have identified that the Government should consider when setting a minimum duration period for couples with a child together?

48. Do you agree with the government’s proposal to extend eligibility for I(PFD)A 1975 claims where cohabitants have shared children?

Please give reasons for your answer.

49. Are there any wider impacts of extending eligibility for I(PFD)A 1975 claims where cohabitants shared children that the government should consider?