In December 2005, the Civil Partnership Act was enacted, giving gay and lesbian couples the right to enter into a legally binding relationship, namely, a civil partnership with most of the same legal rights as marriage.

We are experienced in advising on the legal implications of entering into a civil partnership and the financial consequences of its dissolution. The process of dissolution is similar to divorce; however, there is no fact of adultery. Please refer to the flow diagram and narrative description of divorce for a fuller understanding of the process. In respect of resolving the finances upon the dissolution of a civil partnership, the system is exactly the same as for divorcing couples.

Couples entering into a civil partnership may wish to enter into a pre-civil partnership agreement in order to regulate their financial affairs in the event of a dissolution. Please do contact us if you would like to discuss this further.