Civil partnerships and dissolutions

Since 2005, gay and lesbian couples have been able to enter into a Civil Partnership, which legally recognises their relationship in the same way as a heterosexual marriage.

Civil Partnerships now offer same sex couples advantages such as tax benefits and inheritance rights, but entitlements differ slightly in the event of a death of a partner. For example, if you are in a Civil Partnership and you die without having made a Will, there is a risk that your partner may not inherit your entire estate.

The law on dissolution (termination) of a civil partnership is similar to the law on divorce and as such it may be advisable for some same sex couples to consider a pre-partnership agreement. This is similar to a prenuptial agreement, which in effect clarifies how a couple’s shared responsibilities are to be divided should the civil partnership end.

For a clearer understanding of what your entitlements are, contact our family law solicitors now.