How can we help you with your civil partnership?
If you require specialist legal advice about any stage of a civil partnership, our lawyers in London, Berkshire, Kent, Surrey and Sussex can talk you through the different considerations you might encounter, including:
- Drafting a pre-partnership agreement (similar to a pre-nuptial agreement);
- Navigating a civil partnership dissolution;
- Negotiating childcare arrangements, which could include maintenance payments and visitation rights;
- Agreeing a financial settlement after a partnership breakdown.
Why choose Parfitt Cresswell for your civil partnership legal advice?
We offer a complimentary initial consultation
It’s a great way to understand your options, get to know us better and make a more informed decision on whether we are the firm for you.
Our fees are straightforward, transparent and honest
After your initial consultation, you will know what your costs are likely to be. Depending on your needs, it may be possible to provide a fixed fee and in circumstances where it is not, a clear estimate will be provided which will be kept under close review.
We are honest, genuine people with an assertive and confident edge
We know how to assertively achieve results and to promote a positive resolution. We do the right thing by you. Not just for today, but for the future too.
We are proud of our rankings and feedback
Our clients often describe our service as “professional,” “friendly,” “a pleasure to deal with,” “first-class,” and “would use again.” But don’t just take our word for it; read their reviews on the independent site, ReviewSolicitors, here.
We are fully authorised and regulated by the SRA
This means we adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. You can be confident that your matter is being handled with integrity, care and full accountability.
We make law accessible
We believe that transparency and understanding are key to a good working relationship. We will endeavour to keep you informed of the latest legal updates and policy changes, in clear terms and without the jargon.
Meet our civil partnership lawyers
London, Berkshire, Kent, Surrey and Sussex
Frequently Asked Questions
We know that navigating the legal complexities of a civil partnership can be difficult. Here you will find a small selection of questions that our civil partnership clients regularly ask us:
What is the difference between marriage and civil partnership?
Both a marriage and a civil partnership are legally binding relationships, and it is important to know that the law views them as fundamentally the same. As a result, the following similarities apply:
Both a marriage and a civil partnership can come to an end in two ways: by legally ending the union through divorce (for marriages) or dissolution (for civil partnerships); or when one partner passes away.
When a child is born to either a marriage or a civil partnership, both partners have equal responsibilities. If the union comes to an end through divorce or dissolution, both partners have the same rights and responsibilities to make arrangements for the child post-separation.
Both marriages and civil partnerships follow the rule of intestacy. If one partner passes away without a will or children, their whole estate will pass to the surviving partner.
The same tax laws apply to both marriages and civil partnerships. This includes the same exemptions from things like inheritance tax.
The difference - aside from the word used to end the union - is almost entirely down to personal preference. For example, a religious person might choose to get married because a civil partnership can only take place in a limited number of approved religious premises. Certain countries might also not accept the concept of civil partnerships, which can make travelling or living abroad difficult.
Why have a civil partnership instead of marriage?
Before 2014, same-sex couples could not get married, meaning that a civil partnership was the only way to demonstrate their commitment to one another, and have their union recognised in law. Today, a civil partnership and marriage confer the same benefits to everyone, making the choice more of a matter of personal preference.
While marriage is still the most popular option for unions, many people choose to have a civil partnership instead. This can be because they view traditional marriage as something that is outdated, or because they do not like aspects of the marriage ceremony. A marriage for instance involves the exchanging of vows, which some people may disagree with or find unnecessary. A civil partnership does not require any words to be exchanged, adding a lot of flexibility for the couple to choose how they want to undertake it.
Can a heterosexual couple have a civil partnership?
Yes. Since 2019, couples in England and Wales have been allowed to enter into a civil partnership with one another, and Scotland followed suit with the same legislation in 2020. That decision led to a seven-fold increase in the number of people entering a civil partnership (1,180 in 2019, followed by 8,437 in 2020).
How do you dissolve a civil partnership?
The process of ending a civil partnership is very similar to ending a marriage, but the legal terminology is different. One partner must apply for a dissolution order, a document that confirms the partnership has broken down. Since 2022 there is no need for either partner to prove fault if they would like to dissolve a civil partnership. Once a dissolution order has been granted, the civil partnership is officially ended.
If you would like to know more about a civil partnership dissolution order or would like legal advice regarding things like financial settlements, asset division, or the responsibilities relating to children, our civil partnership solicitors in London, Kent, Sussex and Berkshire are here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to find out more.
