A civil partnership is a legally recognised relationship that gives the partners specific legal rights and responsibilities.

Civil partnerships are available to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples in England and Wales.

Generally, both people must be aged 18 or over, must not already be married or in a civil partnership, and must not be closely related within the prohibited degrees of relationship. Other legal requirements and formalities also apply.

Civil partnerships and marriage are separate legal statuses, but civil partners have many comparable legal rights and responsibilities.

The precise legal consequences can differ depending on the issue, so specific advice should be obtained where your circumstances are complex.

Civil partners can have legal rights and responsibilities concerning matters such as inheritance, tax, property, pensions and family life.

For example, a civil partner may have inheritance rights where their partner dies without a Will, subject to the applicable rules.

Yes.

Opposite-sex couples can form civil partnerships in England and Wales, subject to the applicable legal requirements.

Generally, no. You cannot form a civil partnership while you are already married or already in another civil partnership.

You can separate without immediately ending the civil partnership.

Depending on your circumstances, you may need to make arrangements concerning your home, finances, children and ongoing financial responsibilities.

The legal process for ending a civil partnership is called dissolution.

You can generally apply to end a civil partnership once it has existed for more than one year. The current process involves applying to the court and progressing through the relevant stages before the final order legally ends the civil partnership.

The current process normally takes at least six months, although the actual timeframe can vary depending on the circumstances and whether there are other matters that need to be resolved.

Not necessarily.

A civil partner can make a sole application where the other partner does not agree to end the civil partnership or is not cooperating with the process.

Financial matters can include:

• Property
• Savings
• Investments
• Pensions
• Business interests
• Debts
• Maintenance
• Other financial resources

You can negotiate an agreement between yourselves, but if you want a financial arrangement to be legally binding, appropriate court documentation will generally be required.

Yes.

We can provide advice on financial settlements, property, pensions, maintenance and other financial issues, as well as child arrangements where children are involved.

If agreement cannot be reached, we can advise you about the appropriate legal proceedings and representation available.