Civil Partnerships | MacRoberts LLP

Registering a civil partnership

Civil partnerships create a legal relationship between same-sex and mixed-sex couples, similar to that of marriage and offering many of the same legal rights.

To register a civil partnership, the couple must give notice to their local registrar and, once registered they will then be entitled to certain legal rights relating to tax, pensions, employment, child maintenance, parental responsibility, protection from domestic abuse and immigration.

Pre-civil partnership agreement

With many legal similarities to marriage, you may wish to create a pre-civil partnership agreement (similar to a pre-nuptial agreement), which helps to set out what each person is entitled to should the relationship break down.

If you think this would benefit you, MacRoberts can explain how these agreements work, prepare and draft the agreement or revise an agreement that has already been drafted, protect your assets to help avoid lengthy court battles in the event that you separate, and help you understand the potential impact on your legal rights if one of you lives or spends substantial time in another country during your marriage.

Dissolving your civil partnership

Our expert family lawyers can support you in the unfortunate event that you need to dissolve your civil partnership. Resolving financial disputes in a civil partnership works in much the same way as a marriage; civil partners can claim for ongoing financial support, capital sums and pension sharing orders just like divorcing couples can.

All financial matters must be settled before the partnership can be dissolved, and we can guide you through this process.

Adoption & Surrogacy

Are you a step-parent who wishes to legalise the relationship with your partner’s child? Have you been working with an adoption agency and now been matched with a child for adoption? Are you looking to adopt a child from abroad? Whatever your situation, we are here to help you realise your dream of growing your family.
Adoption & Surrogacy
Divorce

We are committed to guiding you through the divorce process with dignity to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Divorce
Mediation & Collaboration

Mediation offers a lifeline to many families in the midst of separation and conflict. When relationships break down and you need to sort personal matters such as child custody, property or finances, matters can often turn confrontational very quickly.
Mediation & Collaboration
Pre-nuptial Agreements

Although nobody enters into a marriage intending to get divorced, many couples understandably prefer to prepare for the possibility of a relationship breakdown, and prenuptial agreements are fast becoming a normal part of preparing for marriage.
Prenuptial Agreements
Separation

If your relationship has hit troubled waters but you are not sure yet whether you want to divorce or dissolve a civil partnership then a separation agreement could be a good option for you.
Separation

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