The first civil partnerships under the Civil Partnership Act 2004 took place in December 2005. Since then, more than 60,000 gay couples have formed civil partnerships, which give them broadly the same rights as married couples.
From 29 March 2014, same sex partners have also been able to marry, following the introduction of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013, which will eventually enable gay couples to convert existing civil partnerships into marriages.
Our family lawyers can advise couples on the legal issues involved in entering a civil partnership or same sex marriage, including assisting in putting in place agreements about financial arrangements, either before or after the civil partnership or same sex marriage. We can also advise on the importance of making a will.
Latest figures available from the Office for National Statistics suggest that around ten per cent of civil partnerships end in dissolution, the equivalent of a divorce, and when relationships break down, our experienced family law team can provide sensitive, practical advice to help clients make informed decisions on the way forward.
For more information about our same sex marriage and civil partnerships, please contact us.