Our team of specialist solicitors have experience in all aspects of civil partnerships and are able to provide you with advice regarding pre-civil partnership agreements and the dissolution of civil partnerships. Contact us to arrange a free initial appointment.
Pre-civil partnership agreements
The consequences of entering into a civil partnership agreement can be far reaching and it is advisable to seek specialist advice regarding the legal and financial rights that arise out of entering into such an agreement and how they will affect you.
The Act has paved the way for same sex couples to now formalise their relationship and be entitled to the same rights in respect of finances, property, inheritance tax, social security, pension benefits, parental responsibility, full life insurance recognition and next of kin rights etc.
A pre-civil partnership agreement is, like a prenuptial agreement, not binding and can’t stop the other party making a claim. That said, it can be influential when assessing how assets and income should be divided in the event that your relationship breaks down. The Courts are certainly starting to take pre-marital agreements more seriously and in recent cases it appears that there is an acknowledgement to the fact that when agreements are entered by two intelligent adults, with full financial disclosure, stating their intentions, they should be given weight.
Dissolution of civil partnership agreements
Here at Stephensons we do appreciate that relationship breakdowns can be difficult and emotional times. Our specialists can assist you in what options are available to you in the event of the breakdown of your partnership. We take a practical approach and work at all times towards helping you achieve the result you desire whilst protecting your best interests.
In order to seek dissolution it is necessary for you to have been in the civil partnership for more than 1 year and be able to prove that your civil partnership has “irretrievably broken down” due to unreasonable behaviour by either party, desertion for at least two years, separation for two years with consent or separation for five years without consent. You cannot dissolve the partnership on the basis of your ex-partners adultery.
Establishing what the arrangements are going to be regarding any children and financial settlements is not part of the dissolution process and we can assist you in these areas.
We have a large team of experienced family specialists and can offer specific advice tailored around your unique circumstances. We offer advice in all areas of family law.
