(1) A qualified cohabitant may, subject to any agreement under section 202, apply to the court, on notice to the other cohabitant, for an order under sections 174, 175 and 187 or any of them.

(2) If the qualified cohabitant satisfies the court that he or she is financially dependent on the other cohabitant and that the financial dependence arises from the relationship or the ending of the relationship, the court may, if satisfied that it is just and equitable to do so in all the circumstances, make the order concerned.

(3) In determining whether or not it is just and equitable to make an order in all the circumstances, the court shall have regard to -

(a) the financial circumstances, needs and obligations of each qualified cohabitant existing as at the date of the application or which are likely to arise in the future,

(b) subject to subsection (5), the rights and entitlements of any spouse or former spouse,

(c) the rights and entitlements of any civil partner or former civil partner,