 Instead, each couple would be free to sign a cohabiting contract that would have the force of law.On the death or break up of a relationship one or both of the parties could apply to court to get various court orders for payment or property if they are economically dependent.The report recommended that cohabiting couples should have the right to opt out of this arrangement but the courts could lay aside this opt-out if it was judged that this opt-out would cause injustice to a former cohabitant.