Civil partnerships
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into force on 5 December 2005 accompanied by a great deal of publicity. The concept of civil partnership which was introduced is a new legal relationship which can be formed by same-sex couples. Couples who form a civil partnership will have a new legal status that of civil partner. Civil partners will have equality of treatment with married couples in a wide range of legal matters.
For civil partners there will be:
- A duty to provide reasonable maintenance for each other and any children of the family
- The ability to apply for parental responsibility for the civil partner’s children
- Fair treatment for the purposes of assessment for child support, life assurance and tax, including inheritance tax, employment and pension benefits, and inheritance of a tenancy agreement
- The right to inherit if a civil partner dies without a will
- Protection from domestic violence
- Exemption from having to testify in court against the other partner
- The acquisition of next of kin rights
- Recognition for immigration and nationality purposes
We have been acting for members of the gay and lesbian community for many years and are happy to advise on the effects of the new legislation.
For all enquiries on civil partnerships, enquiries contact colin.thorpe@taylorwillcocks-cheam.co.uk.