Maybe the Law Commission should just abolish all rights obtained during a marriage and have done with it? Why stop there? Let's just abolish marriage.
My reaction is to the gradual but increasing reduction of the difference between rights due to marriage and rights due to living together. The inexorable move is towards there being no difference at all. It started with the removal of tax relief, I think.
If it is shown that those ruling society don't respect the institution of marriage, then it is incredible they think we will believe them when we hear them wailing about the number of failing marriages. Show it respect, demonstrate that respect and you will see a difference Messrs Brown and Cameron!
I begin to wonder if all the Law Commission members are unmarried but live together? They certainly rarely sort out rights on divorce but often pontificate about the rights of people cohabiting.
Making prenuptial (and, OK, maybe even "pre-live together") agreements binding like in many sensible countries would make more sense and cost couples a LOT less. And these are some other, actually useful, ideas.
Andrew Woolley
Divorce Solicitor