Civil Partnership

The Civil Partnership Act 2004  ("the Act") allowed same sex couples to register their partnership thus acquiring similar legal rights and obligations to those of married couples. On the signing of the Register by both parrties, they acquire legal status as 'Civil Partners'.

A Civil Partnership Agreement is made between two people of the same sex wishing to register as civil partners or enter into an oversees relationship. This Agreement is not a Pre-nuptial or Cohabitation Agreement and must not be confused with them. 

Civil Partnership Agreements are not enforceable under the Act if one party commits a breach.  However, certain rights and entitlement to property may be protected under the Act if the Agreement is terminated subject to conditions.  For more information and advice click on financial claims for married couples or contact Patricia Young to discuss your needs.

A civil partnership may be dissolved on prove of any of the following

  1. unreasonable behaviour
  2. two years' separation with consent of the other partner
  3. five years' separation
  4. desertion by the other party for a continuous period of two years
Civil partners, like married couples, cannot have thier partnership dissolved until one year after registration.

On dissolution of a civil partnership,

Since 1 April 2010, same sex couples may now both sign the Birth Certificate of a child born to one of the civil partners, thus registering both as parents.

To discuss the full implications of a Civil Partnership Agreement, please contact Patricia Young by clicking on the box in the left hand menu now.