The UK government is considering legal reforms that would automatically establish binding financial arrangements for unmarried couples after three years of cohabitation or upon having children together. These reforms would govern property division and inheritance rights, operating without requiring explicit agreement from both partners, though theoretical opt-out provisions would require mutual consent.

Survey data shows 72% of the public has minimal awareness of these proposals, with public opinion evenly divided between wanting automatic protections (opt-out model) versus requiring active mutual agreement (opt-in model). Opponents, including crossbench peer Baroness Deech, warn that individuals could unknowingly enter legally binding commitments affecting their entire assets and financial obligations. Proponents contend the reforms address economic vulnerability, particularly for women who leave the workforce for caregiving and face hardship when relationships dissolve.