Civil partnerships have been in place for a number of years, but there remains a lack of clarity about what legal status they afford to couples who commit to them.Since they have a similar standing in law to civil marriage, civil partnerships carry with them a range of rights and responsibilities which both partners need to be aware of. For example, civil partners are generally entitled to the same exemption as married opposite-sex couples with regards to pension benefits, social security and inheritance tax, including property rights, but there can also be differences.

Civil partners have the same rights when it comes to parental responsibility for a partner’s child, including reasonable maintenance of one’s partner and their children. They also have rights with regard to life insurance, tenancy and next of kin rights in hospitals.

Our expert team has advised on a series of civil partnerships, taking a common sense approach to issues such as financial disputes, inheritance and other family concerns, such as arrangements for children. We can help with a wide range of issues, from drawing up civil partnership pre-nuptial agreements to cohabitation agreements for same-sex couples. Our team also has experience advising in cases where civil partnerships have broken down and the partners have pursued a full dissolution.

The Court has the power in the event of the dissolution of a civil partnership to provide financial relief via maintenance orders, dealing with rights to property, pensions or payment of lump sums. With this in mind, our team can advise you on where you stand in the event of a dissolution and is there to support you and help put your case forward during what can be a difficult time. Our services include advice on:

• Children and family issues
• Civil Partnership dissolution
• Cohabitation agreements
• Pension rights
• Pre-nuptial agreements
• Property issues