Civil Partnership

Since December 2005 it has been possible for same sex couples to register their partnership.

Although this is called civil partnership it is in reality gay marriage. There are some relatively insignificant differences but the substantive law is the same. In particular:

• civil partners benefit from the same tax breaks as married couples;
• civil partners can get parental responsibility for each others children in the same way as married couples;
• other than omission of adultery the dissolution process is the same as for divorce;
• financial settlements on dissolution of a civil partnership are the same as on divorce; and
• pre registration agreements are treated in the same way as pre marriage agreements (Pre nups).

Family Law in Partnership is recognised by Chambers, the leading law firm directory, as having “significant experience in dealing with civil partnerships”. If you are considering registering a civil partnership or have already registered your partnership and want to understand how the law might impact on you, call one of our lawyers for an informal chat.