Article: Cautious approval for de facto plan

Giving de facto couples property rights will protect some partners but could be a danger to others, say Jane Jeffries and her partner, Andrew Lee.

The Christchurch couple, who have lived in a de facto relationship for 20 years, said the Government proposal would make no difference to them, but could help raise other couples' awareness of property issues.

Where it would be valuable was for couples who mistakenly believed that after two years they were covered by the Matrimonial Property Act. "They are trying to take away the doubt and the myth," said Ms Jeffries.

The law change might also provide more certainty where an elderly person died without making a will and there might have been ...

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