Civil Partnerships
Currently legislation enables same sex couples in civil partnerships to “register” their relationship and effectively become married in the eyes of the law.
Once registered, a couple gain the same rights as a married couple in terms of tax, inheritance and “dissolution” (the equivalent of divorce). This provides each person with a potential claim over the assets and income of the other.
Financial claims on the dissolution of a civil partnership will be assessed in much the same way as those made on divorce. When considering the length of the relationship and the extent of the assets, it is likely that periods of cohabitation are likely to be combined with the length of the partnership.
You will need to work out:
- A plan for looking after any children you have together
- Child maintenance payments if you have children together
- How you will divide your property and money (there is a deadline if you want this to be legally binding)
See our page on finances for a more in depth look at how the court determines financial provision.