DakersMarriott

The Civil Partnership Act (the ‘Act’) came into force on 5 December 2005. The Act is groundbreaking in English law because it radically alters the rights and responsibilities of same sex couples who have a registered civil partnership. Couples will be given the opportunity to formalise their relationships and gain similar legal recognition to those who are married.

Couples entering into a civil partnership should undertake a full review of their legal position before registration. We advise on all aspects of the Act and in particular can offer advice in relation to:

• Claims in respect of property ownership
• Disputes arising on death
• Dissolution of civil partnerships and related financial claims
• Parental responsibility
• Pre-registration agreements (akin to pre-nuptial agreements)
• Tax planning
• Wills

You should be aware that entering into a civil partnership will cancel existing wills and that only one principal residence relief will be available for capital gains tax purposes.

For more information on any of the above services, please contact us by telephone or e-mail via our on-line form.