The law differs in relation to same sex marriages and civil partnerships. Our trusted experts have experience in dealing with all aspects of both and can provide you with the highest quality legal advice.
make an enquiryWe are happy to meet face to face at one of our six offices, or remotely if more convenient and we can arrange meetings out of normal business hours if required.
The law differs in relation to same sex marriages and civil partnerships. Our family law solicitors have experience in dealing with all aspects of both and can provide you with the highest quality legal advice for same sex couples.
The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act of 2013 effectively puts same sex marriages on the same legal footing as those of heterosexual couples.
The main benefits to a same sex marriage over a civil partnership are:
The Married (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 also enables civil partners to convert their partnership into a marriage if they wish.
Same sex spouses whose relationship has irretrievably broken down can seek a divorce through the court using the same process and under the same legislation as married couples of the opposite sex.
Civil Partnerships create legal rights related torelate in areas such as pensions, tax and the right to apply for parental responsibility for a partner’s child.
We are experienced in advising clients on civil partnerships both before entering into a partnership and if a breakdown of the relationship occurs. Common instructions relate to:
Civil partnership dissolution is the legal process of ending a civil partnership, similar to divorce for married couples. Our civil partnership dissolution solicitors can guide you through this process with expertise and compassion.
If your civil partnership has irretrievably broken down, you have two main options:
If the partnership has lasted 12 months or less, a separation order is used. Once you have been granted a separation order it means that you cannot legally enter into another civil partnership until you get a dissolution order.
Dissolution of a civil partnership follows a similar process to divorce. The court will consider the same factors when dividing finances and making arrangements for any children, including the length of the relationship, the needs and contributions of both parties, and the welfare of any children.
Our civil partnership dissolution solicitors can help you navigate this process, whether through negotiation and settlement or, if necessary, through court proceedings. We aim to achieve the best possible outcome while minimizing stress and contention.
The same general principles apply as with heterosexual relationships. The welfare of children always comes first. Other important factors will include the length of the relationship and needs and contributions of the parties. It is possible, and generally advisable, to try and negotiate a financial settlement (rather than let the court decide) in much the same way as with a divorce financial settlement.
Solutions, either negotiated or by court order may involve property transfers, lump sum payments or ongoing maintenance. Similarly, arrangements for where any children shall live, and relating to contact with the non-resident partner, will need to be dealt with.
The key is generally to have an experienced and specialist family solicitor who is a good negotiator. We can help you with these issues.
Civil partnerships and same sex marriages involve many of the same legal considerations as opposite-sex relationships. Our family law team can provide comprehensive support across related services:
Whether you’re ending a same sex marriage or need guidance on separation, our divorce solicitors can help. We offer fixed fee divorce packages, advice on no fault divorce, and support with separation agreements.
When a relationship breaks down, dividing finances fairly is essential. Our financial settlement solicitors can help you reach a fair settlement and protect your agreement with a financial order, whether for divorce or civil partnership dissolution.
Just as we advise on pre-civil partnership agreements, we can also help with prenuptial and postnuptial agreements for same sex marriages. Our prenup lawyers can protect your assets and provide clarity for your future.
Our civil partnership solicitors and same sex marriage lawyers work alongside our wider family law team to ensure you receive expert, compassionate support tailored to your circumstances.
Direct Access to expertise
Our solicitors have extensive knowledge and understanding of family law, coupled with a compassionate approach to sensitive situations
Trusted Relationships
We understand the emotional and practical challenges you may face, and we provide ongoing support throughout your case
Lasting Impact
We are committed to conducting business which is socially responsible and environmentally sustainable
Lorraine Toal
PartnerExcellent and supportive service at a reasonable price. I trust them to deliver a timely and good outcome. Even though I have moved from the area I would still remain a client and recommend.
Could not recommend this Law firm enough. They dealt with a very complex case for us and went above and beyond to provide advice, support, and time to getting it through. Thank you!
The team are absolute professionals. Their expertise, accessibility, and dedication made the process smooth and successful.
The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 puts same sex marriages on the same legal footing as heterosexual marriages. The main differences are pension entitlements upon death and recognition in foreign countries. Same sex marriages are increasingly recognised internationally, while fewer countries recognise civil partnerships.
Yes, the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 enables civil partners to convert their partnership into a marriage if they wish.
Civil partnership dissolution is similar to divorce for married couples. If the partnership has lasted 12 months or less, a separation order is used. Once granted a separation order, you cannot legally enter into another civil partnership until you get a dissolution order. Our civil partnership dissolution solicitors can guide you through the process.
Civil partnership is not the same as marriage, and therefore it is advisable to enter into a pre-civil partnership agreement to ensure clarity, protect family inheritance, major assets and business interests. Whilst not currently legally binding, a well drafted agreement may help a court understand your pre-civil partnership intentions for certain wealth.
The same general principles apply as with heterosexual relationships. Important factors include the length of the relationship and the needs and contributions of both parties. It is generally advisable to try and negotiate a financial settlement rather than let the court decide.
The welfare of children always comes first. Arrangements for where any children shall live and contact with the non-resident partner will need to be dealt with, either through negotiation or court order if necessary.
When a same sex spouse dies, their partner is entitled to a share of their pension that reflects the full number of years the deceased paid into it. With a civil partnership, the surviving spouse would only be entitled to a share based on contributions made since 2004 (private sector) or 1988 (public sector).
London
020 7481 2422
Bromley
020 8464 4242
Sevenoaks
01732 457 575
Surrey
01372 750 100
New Forest
01590 633 199
London
020 7481 2422Bromley
020 8464 4242Sevenoaks
01732 457 575Surrey
01372 750 100New Forest
01590 633 199
We are here for your legal needs in life and in business. Please get in touch with one of our experienced solicitors, who are here to help you.
Make an enquiry