Abstract
A focus on time reveals neglected advantages of cohabitation contracts and strengthens the case for their legal recognition, both in England and Wales and under Scots law. Cohabitation contracts enable cohabitants to address unexpected and unpredictable changes in their circumstances. They encourage reflection on conventional periodizations of cohabitation and marriage, periodizations no longer fully consonant with changing patterns of domestic and personal relationships, nor with trends in the paid labour market. The very process of drafting and negotiating a contract also encourages reflection on cohabitants' mutual expectations, a form of reflection of particular importance to women.
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