Relationships: Civil Partnerships

 

Civil Partnerships

What is a Civil Partnership?

A civil partnership is a legal relationship between two people of the same or opposite sex.

In December 2005, legislation came into force which created the right for same-sex couples to enter into a civil relationship which is akin to marriage. The effect of the legislation is that it gave same-sex couples, who register their civil partnership under the

 Act, many of the same rights that are enjoyed by married couples including;

  • Recognition under the rules of intestacy

  • The ability of one partner to insure the other against death

  • Protection from domestic violence

  • The financial remedies on the dissolution of the partnership

However, in June 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that the provisions in the Civil Partnership Act 2004 restricting the option of forming a civil partnership should be extended to opposite-sex couples, to comply with the European Convention on Human Rights. Subsequently The Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc.) Act 2019 was adopted.


How do I end a Civil Partnership? - Dissolution

Like a divorce, the dissolution of a civil partnership can only be granted upon the grounds that the relationship has broken down irretrievably. 

We offer advice on the dissolution of Civil Partnerships, including:

 

As with heterosexual couples who live together without being married, the myth of the common law man and wife will arise if a same-sex couple does not register their relationship.

See related articles: 

House of Lords Approves Mixed-Sex Civil Partnerships

Get in touch today. 

With offices in Leicester and Market Harborough you can arrange an initial appointment to discuss your civil partnership. 

Call 0116 212 1000 for our Leicester Office or 01858 445 480 for our Market Harborough Office. Whichever office you call, someone will be available to assist you.