Civil Partnerships

The Civil Partnership Act

The Civil Partnership Act came into force on 5th December 2005. The Act allows same-sex couples to register their partnership and, in doing so, gain most of the rights married couples enjoy.

Registered couples will have the following rights:
· The obligation to support each other and the children of the family financially
· The obligation to pay child support in the same way as married partners
· Protection from domestic violence
· Exemption from Inheritance Tax on property that passes between partners
· Recognition of the partnership under the inheritance and intestacy (dying without a Will) rules
· Entitlement to pass on bereavement benefits and benefits of occupational pensions to a surviving partner
· Access to fatal accidents compensation

There is no requirement that couples live together first for a certain amount of time, but without entering into Civil Partnership, couples will be treated, in law, as cohabiting heterosexual couples are.

Some Civil Partnerships will break down. Much like divorce proceedings, there will be a formal dissolution process where the Court will have the power to make property and maintenance orders.

Civil Partnership has important financial, children, tax and benefit implications, so it is important you seek legal advice to ensure you prepare for your future.

Please contact Karen Moores on 08701 417154 or via email at webenquiries@sydneymitchell.co.uk