Civil partnerships are on a steep decline after a drop of 12% in same-sex marriages in 2009 while dissolutions have almost doubled since 2008, new research has revealed.
Since the Civil Partnership Act was introduced in December 2005, 40,237 civil partnerships were formed before 2009. But, last year there were just 6,281 registered same sex marriages, down from 7,169 in 12 months.
At the same time, civil partnership dissolutions have almost doubled since 2008, from 180 to 351.
Last year, more women than men dissolved a civil partnership in England and Wales, with 63% of civil partnerships dissolved by female couples.
In order to have a civil partnership dissolved in the UK a couple must have been in either a registered civil partnership or a recognised foreign same-sex relationship for 12 months.
But, despite the decline, upcoming amendments to Labour’s Equality Act, due this October, could see widespread changes to civil partnership guidelines.
Alterations could see civil partnerships take place in places of worship, if the relevant religious groups agree, and also allowances for hymns and prayers.
There is also growing pressure for ministers to go further and allow fully legal marriages for same-sex couples. The Conservative Party said it would consider the move in its election manifesto, while it has been backed by London’s Mayor Boris Johnson as well as Labour’s leadership contenders.
“If same-sex marriage was legalised, many more lesbian and gay couples would opt for it rather than civil partnerships,” said prominent gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.
“Quite a number of my gay friends want legal recognition but they haven’t opted for a civil partnership – they are holding out for same-sex marriage.”
Stephensons' family and relationships team of solicitors can assist with the broad spectrum of family law issues including all aspects of civil partnerships and are able to provide you with advice regarding pre-civil partnership agreements and the dissolution of civil partnerships.
The team is one of the largest in the North West, with 28 solicitors all dedicated to resolving family related problems, and is recommended by the Legal 500 and Chambers UK.