What do I do if my civil partnership has come to an end?
When the Civil Partnership 2004 came into play in November 2005, for the first time ever same sex couples could enter into a civil partnership and were given the majority of the rights and responsibilities that couples of the opposite sex who enter into a civil marriage have. If you would like to enter into a civil partnership, both parties have to comply with certain formalities, which team of family law solicitors based in Orpington will be happy to advise you on.
If you want to dissolve a civil partnership…
Regrettably, like civil marriages, civil partnerships can and do break down. If either party wishes to dissolve the civil partnership, you will need to have been partnered for one year and the court must be satisfied that the partnership has irretrievably broken down.
From 6 April, any couple wanting to dissolve their civil partnership will no longer have to cite an element of blame for the end of their relationship. See more on divorce and separation.
Financial claims can be made against each other in respect of property, capital, income and pensions. Although civil partnerships are a relatively new area of law, there are many similarities between a dissolution and a divorce and the courts are likely to take a similar approach in respect of finances. Find out more about the division of assets during the dissolving of a partnership or the end of a marriage.
Civil partners should consider whether, prior to entering into the civil partnership, they should enter into a Pre-Partnership Agreement. Whilst not legally binding, a court would be likely to take it into consideration in deciding how financial claims should be resolved in the event of a relationship breaking down.
If you would like more advice and guidance on dissolving a civil partnership, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced, highly trained and accredited family law team of solicitors in Orpington. We have over 40 years delivering careful, practical and considerate legal advice in what can be a very emotional and distressing time.
Call our family law solicitors on 01689 822554 or email us at family@thomasdunton.co.uk. Our team are available face to face, or via video consultation, so we can help you, wherever you live.
More guidance on divorce and separation
Click on the links below for more guidance on the common concerns surrounding separation and divorce and how Thomas Dunton can help:
- Divorce and Separation
- Division of Assets – financial, property & pensions
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Cohabitation Agreements & Deeds of Trust
- Child Issues – contact, residence and financial provision
- Rights of Unmarried Couples
- Domestic Violence
- Child Abduction