Civil Partnerships

At Lupton Fawcett, our family law team based in Yorkshire has extensive experience in civil partnership legislation and can assist couples who are entering into, or facing the end of, a civil partnership. For advice and a guidance on civil partnerships, call us today on 0333 323 5292, email family@luptonfawcett.law or fill in the enquiry form on this page and we will get back to you.

What is a Civil Partnership?

The purpose of a civil partnership is to allow same sex couples to enjoy similar rights and responsibilities to that of married couples. Couples who wish to apply for a civil partnership are required to have been living in the UK for at least a week, and have given 15 days’ notice to their partner about the time and place of their intended registration at a licensed location. This can be anywhere apart from religious premises.

The Team

Our family law team has helped many individuals with matters involving civil partnership issues. We have developed a reputation for being approachable, committed and successful, and will explain all processes clearly so you understand what your options are throughout proceedings.

Should your civil partnership come to an end, we are able to support you with our full range of services, including mediation, parental responsibility, etc., which are designed to resolve dissolutions amicably.

Dissolution of a Civil Partnership

Dissolution of a civil partnership is handled in a similar manner to divorce in that orders can be applied for to regulate matters concerning property, finances, assets and children. The family court will take the following into account when making decisions:

• Children’s welfare
• The financial situation of both parties
• The financial requirements and obligations of each party
• Your standard of living
• The duration of a civil partnership
• Any disabilities suffered by one or both parties
• Any unacceptable behaviour demonstrated (although this will be limited)

If you wish to end a civil partnership, circumstances evidencing the breakdown must be proved to the court. These include:

• Your partner displaying abusive or another form of unreasonable behaviour
• You and your partner living apart for over two years, and agreeing to a dissolution
• You and your partner living apart for over five years, with only one party wanting to end the relationship
• Your partner deserting you for over two years

Contact Us for Help

To speak to a civil partnership solicitor for advice, please contact us at our Leeds, York and Sheffield offices using the details on the enquiry form.