Civil Partnerships

Our solicitors provide clear, concise and caring legal advice around civil partnerships, helping you take the next step with confidence.

A civil partnership is a legally-recognised relationship between two people. It gives couples many of the same rights and responsibilities as marriage.

You may be planning to start a civil partnership, dissolve a civil partnership, convert to marriage or simply want to protect your financial position. We can help you understand your options and legal rights.

Legal advice and guidance for civil partners

Civil partnerships were introduced by the Civil Partnership Act 2004. Originally created for same-sex couples, they were expanded to opposite-sex couples in 2019.

For many, they can be a popular way of securing the financial and legal benefits of marriage whilst avoiding some of its ceremonial, historical or religious associations.

We specialise in all aspects of civil partnership law, including:

• Entering a civil partnership – We’ll help you understand the legal consequences of becoming civil partners and advise on any practical steps you may wish to take before registering.
• Dissolving a civil partnership – We can guide you through the dissolution legal process compassionately and effectively, as well as advising you on financial and child arrangements.
• Pre- and post-civil partnership agreements – Similar to pre- and post-nuptial agreements, these set out how finances, property and other assets should be dealt with in the event of a civil partnership ending.
• Converting a civil partnership into marriage – At present, same-sex civil partners can directly convert their marriage, whilst opposite-sex civil partners must first dissolve their partnership and then legally marry. We can guide you through the entire process.

Harrogate Family Law: ‘exceptionally strong’ civil partnership solicitors

We practice solely in family law, meaning we are true specialists in this sensitive and complex area of law.

Each situation is different, and our bespoke, compassionate approach to each case is why we are proud to be rated ‘Excellent’ by our clients.

Legal 500 recognise us as a Leading Firm and ‘considerable force in family law within Yorkshire’ with ‘an exceptionally strong team of experienced lawyers’.

We are also Top Ranked by Chambers UK legal guide, who point to our ‘extensive experience advising on challenging divorce and separation claims, including civil partnership dissolution’.

From our office in central Harrogate, we advise individuals and couples across the region and nationwide.