The Civil Partnership Act 2004 was intended to provide same-sex couples with an alternative to marriage, and the legal rights and responsibilities of civil partners are very similar to those of married couples.
If a civil partnership breaks down, the ways in which it can be brought to an end are similar, but not identical, to the ways in which a marriage can be legally ended. The exception is that adultery by a civil partner cannot be used as the basis.
A civil partner may obtain a separation order that allows the parties to live separately but without ending the civil partnership. This is the equivalent of an order of “judicial separation” in relation to marriage.
The financial rights of civil partners on the break down of their relationship are equivalent to those of a divorcing couple and the procedure for resolving issues is the same in all significant respects.
We can provide specialist advice on civil partnerships and the financial remedies that are available following the dissolution of a civil partnership.
