Civil partnerships protect you and your partner financially without the traditional aspects of marriage. If you need advice on registering a civil partnership, or dissolving a partnership following a relationship breakdown, our family lawyers are here to help you take the next step.
While same-sex couples can now legally marry in England and Wales, they also have the option of entering a civil partnership, which offers legal and financial protections similar to those of marriage. In December 2019, the government introduced new legislation to allow opposite-sex couples to enter into civil partnerships.
What are the advantages of a civil partnership?
Even though same-sex couples can now marry, not everyone likes the religious or traditional aspects of the marriage institution. Civil partnerships offer many of the same rights and responsibilities but outside the institution of marriage.
If you are buying a property together or having children for example, you should consider civil partnership as a way of protecting you.
A civil partnership can help to protect you both legally and financially and ensure that any children you have together will be looked after in the event of separation or the dissolution of your civil partnership.
To find out more about the rights and responsibilities of civil partnerships, or for any other legal advice, simply call 0330 041 5869 or contact us online today and we will call you and discuss your next steps without obligation.
How can we help you with your civil partnership?
Our expert civil partnership solicitors can support you in a wide range of different ways, specialising in providing industry-leading advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Some of the services we offer include:
Drawing up a pre-partnership agreement (similar to a prenuptial agreement)
Handling a civil partnership dissolution
Negotiating childcare arrangements, including maintenance payments and visitation
Agreeing financial settlements following a partnership breakdown
Handling a civil partnership dissolution
As of April 2022, it is no longer a legal requirement to give a reason for the breakdown of your civil partnership, or to assign blame to the other party. All that is now required is a statement confirming that the partnership has irretrievably broken down. You do, however, need to have been in a civil partnership for at least 12 months before you submit an application to dissolve it.
The process of dissolving a civil partnership is the same as a divorce, with the only difference being the terminology. Our civil partnership lawyers will listen to your needs and guide you through the process to achieve the best outcome for you, no matter how complex.
The best solicitors to fight your corner! I struggled with a nasty unmarried couple dispute alone for over a year before biting the bullet and paying for proper legal support. I had one previous experience with a cheaper less well-known solicitor and I just felt completely let down and not a priority. But with Slater and Gordon, from start to finish, I felt supported 100% and valued.
B L (family and personal matters case)
Matters were dealt with efficiently with a view to keeping costs to a realistic level and I am well satisfied with the final settlement she managed to achieve on my behalf.
J B (family and personal matters case)
For anyone needing help with family issues I could not recommend Slater and Gordon highly enough. I always had the feeling I had the best looking after my interests and they certainly didn't disappoint.
C I (family and personal matters case)
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s civil partnership solicitors?
Whether you are looking to enter a civil partnership, or for help dissolving one, our industry-leading civil partnership solicitors are here to offer the tailored advice and legal support you need.
Led by our head of family practice, Georgina Chase, our family law team has received recognition and numerous accolades from the legal industry. Georgina herself is ranked in the independent legal directory Chambers and Partners, and many of our team are recognised in the Legal 500.
We are proud members of Resolution, an organisation of family justice professionals committed to promoting a constructive approach to family issues and have office nationwide so we’re able to bring our expertise to your doorstep.
We are an award winning law firm and have a dedicated team of family solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We offer affordable, expert legal advice on divorce and child arrangements. Book a consultation for clear guidance and next steps. Our assessment helps you understand your situation and make informed decisions. Consultation charged at £150 for 45 minutes.
Tailored advice
We understand that family situations differ – so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Frequently asked questions about civil partnerships
When did civil partnerships become legal in the UK?
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into power in December 2005 and gave same sex couples the opportunity to enter a civil partnership. The legislation was later updated in 2019 to include opposite sex couples.
Who can get a civil partnership?
Both same sex couples and opposite sex couples can now enter a civil partnership. This may be the preferred route for some couples, rather than marriage, as it carries less religious or gendered connotations. Under UK law, two people can form a civil partnership if they are:
Over 18 (or over 16 with their parents’ permission)
Not already married or in a civil partnership
Not closely related
How long does a civil partnership dissolution take?
This can depend upon how amicable the process is; if both you and your partner agree on how the partnership should be dissolved (such as splitting financial assets or any childcare arrangements), then the process can take as little as four to six months. However, where negotiations are lengthier, it can take much longer than this.
The best solicitors to fight your corner! I struggled with a nasty unmarried couple dispute alone for over a year before biting the bullet and paying for proper legal support. I had one previous experience with a cheaper less well-known solicitor and I just felt completely let down and not a priority. But with Slater and Gordon, from start to finish, I felt supported 100% and valued. B L (family and personal matters case)
Matters were dealt with efficiently with a view to keeping costs to a realistic level and I am well satisfied with the final settlement she managed to achieve on my behalf. J B (family and personal matters case)
For anyone needing help with family issues I could not recommend Slater and Gordon highly enough. I always had the feeling I had the best looking after my interests and they certainly didn't disappoint. C I (family and personal matters case)