Civil Partnerships

On 05 December 2005 the Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into force.  The Act creates a new status of relationships for same sex couples, that of “civil partner”.  This partnership must be formally registered, although the procedure is fairly simple but the effects of registration are significant.

Civil partners will receive equality of treatment in a wide range of legal matters which will bring them into line with married couples.  Not only will civil partners be treated in the same way as married couples in respect of pensions, adoption and tax but in the event of the breakdown of your partnership the Court can deal with your assets in the same way it does for a married couple who are divorcing.  If you are thinking about entering into a civil partnership then you may wish to obtain advise about the implications for you, or you may want advise upon the breakdown of your relationship and the remedies you can seek in respect of finances and children.