Civil partnerships

Since 2005, same sex couples have been able to enter into a Civil Partnership, which has similar legal consequences to a marriage.

When a Civil Partnership breaks down, both parties will be faced with the same financial and emotional issues as a divorcing couple. We will always try to help parties negotiate an agreement, in order to minimise the costs. If this cannot be achieved, then the courts have similar powers at their disposal to facilitate a resolution of the parties' finances as they do in divorce. Judges can make transfer of property, lump sum, maintenance and pension sharing orders. The courts also will be considering the same issues for example businesses, inheritances and pre-acquired assets.

Pre registration agreements can be entered into prior to registering a Civil Partnership, and are treated in the same way as Pre-Nuptial Agreements prior to marriage.