Swindon-based law firm Gardner Leader is urging couples in the area to have their say before the government consultation on family law reform closes on Friday, August 14, 2026. "With 3.5m couples in the UK choosing to live together without marriage or a civil partnership, the current legal framework to protect them on separation or death is limited. "This is also more complex where children are involved, with any disputes tending to be resolved through property and trust law, not family law as with divorce." The call comes as many couples who began living together in Autumn 2022 could now be heading for a split. Ms Hamshaw said that while some couples put formal agreements in place, many are unaware of their current legal standing.