Divorce and separation
Civil Partnership Solicitors
Whether you are planning for the future or going through a separation, we offer expert legal advice for every stage of a civil partnership. Our team of civil partnership solicitors are here to provide support every step of the way.
Our Civil Partnerships Services
At Walker Family law, we recognise the importance and complexity of civil partnerships. Whether you are entering into a civil partnership, navigating your way through a separation, or planning ahead to protect your future with a cohabitation agreement, we are here to support your needs with clear, tailored advice.
Our team of civil partnership solicitors will take the time to understand your specific needs and guide you through your options. Even where matters may be complex, our aim is to maintain amicability and minimise stress.
Our civil partnership services include:
- Legal advice on entering into a civil partnership
- Drafting and reviewing cohabitation agreements
- Advice and representation in the dissolution of civil partnerships
- Financial settlements
- Child arrangements
What is a Civil Partnership?
Civil partnerships are legally recognised relationships between two individuals that provide them with similar rights and responsibilities as marriage. Civil partnerships were introduced by the Civil Partnership Act 2004, which came into force in December 2005. They were originally only available to same-sex couples (who could not then enter into marriage), but were extended to opposite-sex couples in December 2019.
Marriage between same-sex couples has been possible in England and Wales since March 2014. Accordingly, all couples now have the choice between getting married or entering into a civil partnership, although most civil partnerships nowadays are entered into by opposite-sex couples. Same-sex couples are also able to convert a civil partnership into a marriage.
Civil partnerships provide similar rights and responsibilities as marriage. For example, those in a civil partnership benefit from the same rights as married couples in terms of tax benefits, pensions and inheritance.
Difference Between a Civil Partnership and Marriage
Civil partnerships and marriages offer many of the same legal rights and responsibilities, particularly when it comes to finances, property, inheritance, and parental responsibility. However, there are a few key differences in how they are formed and legally recognised.
A marriage is entered into by exchanging vows in a civil or religious ceremony, while a civil partnership is formed by signing a legal document known as a civil partnership schedule, with no ceremony required.
When it comes to ending the relationship, marriages end in divorce, while civil partnerships are dissolved. The legal processes are similar but differ slightly.
Choosing Civil Partnership over marriage
There are several reasons why some couples may choose a civil partnership over marriage. Unlike marriage, there are no religious connotations attached to civil partnerships, which can make them a desirable option for those who want to legally recognise their relationship but don’t align themselves with a particular religion.
There is also a school of thought that marriage is a patriarchal institution, which can make marriage less desirable for some couples. Find out more on the differences between marriages and civil partnerships.
Dissolution of a Civil Partnership
The process of dissolving your civil partnership is the same as the process for dissolving your marriage. You may choose to do this yourself; if so we would strongly recommend that you seek our advice before so doing and obtain our support and guidance at appropriate stages of the process. If you prefer we can deal with the dissolution on your behalf. You should bear in mind that dissolving your civil partnership does not terminate the financial claims acquired as a consequence of that partnership and you should seek our advice and assistance in achieving an appropriate financial settlement and making it binding.
Our Experience in Civil Partnership
As civil partnership solicitors, we are experts in the breakdown of civil partnerships and we will use our depth of knowledge to find the best possible solution for you, whether that involves mediation, collaborative law, Resolution Together (where we work with and advise the couple jointly), arbitration, or traditional litigation.
For further information regarding the alternatives to court, see this page.
Our specialists in both our divorce and finance team and our children team have experience in resolving issues arising out of the dissolution of civil partnerships just as they do in resolving issues arising on divorce and separation and will be happy to discuss your options with you and to assist you in achieving sensible and cost effective outcomes.
We will help you sort out arrangements for finances and property by agreement, without the need for expensive and stressful court proceedings. If these matters can be agreed then we will take the necessary steps to obtain a consent court order, to give effect to the agreement.
If it is not possible to agree arrangements for finances and property then the matter would have to be decided by the court. We can advise and assist you throughout the court process, including representing you at all court hearings, and helping you to achieve the best possible outcome.
For more detailed information about financial settlements, see this page.
If there are any dependent children then arrangements will need to be sorted out for them, including who they should live with, what contact they should have with a parent they do not live with, and what child support should be paid, if any.
Again, we will help sort out arrangements for your children by agreement, but if that is not possible then we can advise, assist and represent you throughout any contested court proceedings.
Whether it be dissolving the civil partnership, dealing with the financial settlement, or sorting out arrangements for children, we will support you to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, whilst ensuring your rights and interests are protected. We will handle all the legal aspects of your case so that you can focus on taking care of you and your family.
If you are in need of civil partnership solicitors, contact our team today to arrange a consultation.
Divorce and separation services
Whether you are divorcing, separating, or ending a civil partnership, our expert team of family lawyers will help you move forward with confidence.
Key people
FAQs
What are the key differences between a civil partnership and a marriage?
The main differences are that a marriage is formed through spoken vows in a ceremony, while a civil partnership is created by signing a legal document, with a ceremony optional. They also differ in titles, certificate registration, grounds for ending the relationship, and the ability to have a religious ceremony. Both offer similar legal rights and responsibilities, including inheritance and financial support.
How to obtain a civil partnership certificate?
To obtain a civil partnership certificate, contact the local register office where it was registered, as they hold the original record. You can also order a copy online from the General Register Office (GRO), but for partnerships registered within the last six months, you must go through the local register office.
What property rights do you have in a civil partnership?
In a civil partnership, you have the same property rights as married couples, including the right to own property and “home rights” to live in the family home. If the partnership ends, you can seek financial remedies such as property, pension, and maintenance orders, just like in a divorce.
What are the differences between civil partnership and cohabiting?
The main difference is that a civil partnership is a legally registered union with automatic rights over property, inheritance, and financial support, while cohabitation is simply living together. Cohabiting couples must use agreements, like a cohabitation contract, to define these rights.