Civil Partnerships
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into force in December 2005. The Act enables same sex couples to obtain legal recognition of their relationship by registration of a civil partnership. Civil partners will assume legal rights and responsibilities with regard to each other and to third parties. Civil partnership is similar to marriage and has important financial, tax, benefit and inheritance consequences. It is important that legal advice is sought for those thinking about civil partnership.
For those who wish to enter into a pre-partnership agreement prior to the formalities being commenced, we are able to offer comprehensive advice on the content, effect and enforceability of such agreements.
In the unfortunate event that the civil partnership breaks down, a process akin to the divorce procedure, is required to dissolve the partnership. In that case, each party to the civil partnership is able to make financial claims against the other. Please refer to the Finance page of our family law website for more information in this respect.
If a same sex couple decide to live with one another, but not enter into a civil partnership, then they will be treated, in law, in the same way as a heterosexual cohabiting couple. There is no one single piece of legislation which deals with cohabitation and financial issues in respect of heterosexual cohabiting couples. Please refer to our Relationships page for more information.
For a free initial no obligation discussion with one of our specialist family law solicitors please click here to complete our online enquiry form or telephone freephone 0800 801 032. We will endeavour to respond to all enquiries within the same day.
