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Civil Partnerships (opposite couples) Regulations 2019

Christina Cree

Updated: Apr 15, 2024

Civil partnerships (Opposite Couples) Regulations 2019

In June 2018, The Supreme Court rules that restrictions on same-sex civil partnerships was a breach of human rights.

What is a Civil Partnership?

This is a legally recognised relationship between two people which until recent regulations, only applied to same-sex couples over the age of 16 under the Civil Partnership Act 2004.  As a result of the Supreme court ruling, Regulations shall be coming into force on 02 December 2019 which amends The Civil Partnership Act 2004 basic definition of civil partnership to enable opposite-sex couples to form a civil partnership by registering as civil partners under the law of England and Wales.

What Option is Best for you?

Until 2014, same-sex marriage was not legal therefore civil partnerships were a way for same-sex couples to have their relationships legally recognised and enjoy the same benefits as married couples in terms of parental rights, tax benefits, inheritance, pensions etc…

Civil partnerships may be preferable for those who do not identify with a particular religious faith unlike marriage which is usually referenced to a religious ceremony. The actual civil partnership ceremony itself is much simpler as the parties just sign the civil partnership document and it becomes legally recognised. Married couples are known as ‘Wife’ or ‘Husband’ whereas in a civil partnership the parries are known as ‘Civil Partners’.

Another key difference is that if the relationship comes to an end, the Husband or Wife can obtain a divorce on the following 5 reasons: Adultery (sexual relationship with someone of the opposite sex). Unreasonable behaviour, 2 years separation with consent, 5 years separation and desertion. Civil partners would have to apply to have their relationship dissolved and can only rely on the reasons of Unreasonable behaviour, 2 years separation with consent, 5 years separation and desertion.

You may decide that you do not wish to marry or enter a civil partnership however would like to live with your partner. You can instead consider having a cohabitation agreement which would clarify the basis upon which you are living together. This document, however will not offer you the same legal rights as to a civil partner or married couple but may provide the court assistance if a civil dispute arose.

How can HMG Law Help You?

At HMG Law we have experienced Family Lawyers who can offer you the appropriate guidance and assistance to effectively deal with your relationship matters.

For new clients, we offer an initial fixed fee consultation with one of our family solicitors for a fee of £100 plus VAT.

Please telephone Christina Cree, Alexandra Smith or Irrum Shah at Bicester 01869 252244 or at Oxford on 01865 244661.

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HMG LAW LLP is a limited liability partnership No OC331458 registered in England and Wales and is the successor practice to Herbert Mallam Gowers. A list of the members can be obtained from One St Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1DE. HMG LAW LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority - SRA number 00469833. The VAT number for HMG LAW is:  GB 1946317140. HMG LAW LLP has published this site in good faith and has taken reasonable care to ensure that the information provided is accurate. However, the information, including any articles and publications, are for general purposes only. Neither HMG LAW LLP nor any of its partners or staff accept any liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon information and materials appearing on this site or on any linked site unless the matters relied upon have first been confirmed in writing; in which case, and to the extent that the law permits, any liability shall be solely that of the Firm.

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