Publication - Consultation paper
Cohabitants' rights - changes when their partner dies and leaves no will: consultation - easy read version
Easy read version of family law consultation about cohabitants' rights when one dies and does not leave a will.
Closed
This consultation closed 21 April 2026.
View this consultation on consult.gov.scot, including responses once published.
What we think should get changed
The words to say what ‘cohabitant’ means need to be clearer.
This will help courts decide if the person applying was a cohabitant of the person who died.
The Scottish Law Commission also wants the words made clearer.
The Scottish Law Commission is an independent organisation.
Independent means it does not take sides.
We think there should be better guidance for the courts to follow.
People should be allowed longer than 6 months to apply to the court.
