The cohabitation provisions of the Family Law (Scotland) Act

The aim of this one year study is to gain an understanding of the operation of the cohabitation provisions of the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 which creates new financial remedies for cohabitants in the event of separation and death.

The researchers will document the experiences and perspectives of legal practitioners and other selected family law professionals regarding the nature and frequency of the use of these provisions. This will include the circumstances in which they are used, the type of issues covered and the cost and effect. Researchers will also undertake an assessment of any benefits and difficulties the provisions have brought for both potential pursuers and defenders in the first three years of the legislation.