Conclusions: Relationship Solutions

This short conclusion sums up the main arguments of the book. It contends that the inadequacy of the current law on marriage is underlined by two issues that have come to the fore in recent years: the issues of unregistered religious marriages and of non-religious marriages. It reiterates how the need for reform in relation to these two issues differs. It stresses that unregistered religious marriages are not always problematic. Where they result from a free and deliberate choice then the decision not to comply with legal formalities should be respected. Legal redress should be provided to those in unregistered religious marriages where the failure to comply with registration requirements is unwitting or is not truly voluntary on the part of one of the parties.