Attitudes and knowledge about family obligations in Scotland: after separation and death

Abstract

Major changes in family structure and family life in Scotland have also changed how people think about marriage and cohabitation, the roles of men and women in family life, parenthood and the relationship between family life and paid work. Scots family law has moved to recognise these changes, most recently with the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 and the Civil Partnership Act 2004. The Scottish Law Commission is reviewing the law of succession. Two recent Scottish surveys commissioned by the Scottish Executive—on family and sexual attitudes and attitudes towards rules of succession— provide up-to date evidence of public opinion about the obligations and rights of partners when their relationships end either by separation or the death of a partner, and across generations when a parent or partner dies.