Annulment of a marriage
An annulment differs from a divorce; as when the process is complete the annulled couple will be deemed to have never been married...link
Civil Partnerships for Heterosexual Couples: Legal Rights and Practical Considerations.
Since the introduction of the Civil Partnerships (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations in December 2019, heterosexual couples in England and Wales have had the legal right to form civil partnerships. This change followed a Supreme Court ruling in 2018 that found the previous exclusion discriminatory under the European Convention on Human Rights.
Key Features of Civil Partnerships
- Legal Recognition: Civil partnerships offer the same legal rights as marriage in areas such as inheritance, tax, pensions, and next-of-kin status.
- Non-Religious Framework: Unlike marriage, civil partnerships are entirely secular and do not involve religious ceremonies or vows.
- Ending the Partnership: Civil partnerships can be dissolved through a legal process similar to divorce, requiring proof of irretrievable breakdown.
Why Some Couples Choose Civil Partnership
- Equality and Neutrality: Some couples prefer a legal union without the historical or religious connotations of marriage.
- Financial Planning: Civil partnerships offer inheritance tax exemptions and pension rights equivalent to marriage.
- Legal Protection: Cohabiting couples without legal status risk losing rights on death or separation—civil partnership closes that gap.
Recent Trends and Statistics
- Uptake: Over 15,000 opposite-sex civil partnerships have been registered since 2020, with steady growth among older couples and second unions.
- Legal Clarity: Family law practitioners report increased demand for pre-partnership agreements and estate planning advice.
What to Consider Before Registering
- Legal Advice: Consider a solicitor’s guidance on property ownership, wills, and financial arrangements before entering a civil partnership.
- Registration Process: Couples must give notice at their local register office and wait 28 days before the partnership can be formed.
- International Recognition: Civil partnerships may not be recognised in all countries—check local laws if relocating or travelling.
For tailored advice on civil partnerships, cohabitation rights, or family law planning, contact a solicitor specialising in relationship law.
related news
Agricultural Law.
link
Aviation Law Solicitors.
This is a highly specialised area of the Law and covers both aircraft and their facilities as well as many other areas detailed here.
link
Charity Law Solicitors.
As a charity it is important to understand your legal obligations and rights, a Charity Law solicitor swill be able to help with this, find Charity Law Solicitors from Solicitors.com
link
Civil Liberties and Human Rights | Solicitors.com
Solicitors.com - if you are looking to take action under the Human Rights Act, understand your rights and how a solicitor can assist you.
link
Construction and Civil Engineering Law | Solicitors.com
link
Consumer Law, Consumer problems.
We have produced a few guides to help you but would recommend that you speak to a solicitor as all situations are different.
link
Education solicitors | Solicitors.com
link
Property Abroad.
If you are looking to buy a property abroad you will need expert legal advice, this section details services provided, and offers guidance on how to find a solicitor for your needs.
linkrecent articles
Major Change in Divorce Law - no fault divorces
Government to finally introduce 'no-fault' Divorce laws..
linkGuide to a Prenuptial agreements.
A prenuptial agreement (prenup) is an agreement set up by a couple prior to marriage, the prenup will detail how finances work whilst married and in the event t..link
Child Custody.
Child custody can be the most emotive issue in a divorce, the law will decide who is the primary carer of a child, and where a child should live, quite often it..link
Civil partnership for Heterosexual Couples
A change in the marriage laws..
linkChildren and the Law Consensual Sex
Children and the Law Consensual Sex
To consent is to agree to something, so when you are talking about the age of consent it is the age at which that law state..link
Cohabitation Agreement
Cohabitation Agreement -
Many couples live together out of wedlock, some for the tricky trial period 'can we live together without killing each other', some co..link
Guide to Mediation - Children
One of the biggest decisions facing couples when a relationship breaks down is what happens with the children, there are many decisions that need to be made, al..link
How to end a Civil Partnership.
Whilst a Civil partnership is different to a marriage in many way..
linkReasons for Divorce
Reasons for Divorce. - What constitutes grounds for divorce..link
Injunctions.
How to apply for one, and what is an injunction? - If you are seeking an injunction we would recommend that you take immediate advice...link
Registering your Childs Birth.
Registration of a Childs birth is a legal requirement - understand what you need to do...link
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us link
Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.
Information by area of law
Conveyancing Solicitors.
Step by step guide to help you understand the process of Conveyancing and moving.
link.jpg)
Criminal Solicitors.
We have put together a few guidance notes for your help with Criminal law matters, if you require a solicitors please use the search facility or ask a question.
link
Commercial law.
If you are looking for a commercial solicitor understand your options by contacting one of the 100s of commercial law firms on solicitors.com
link
Clinical or Medical Negligence Solicitors
If you are considering making a claim for Medical Negligence understand your rights and the process, find a medial compensation solicitor via solicitors.com.
link
Personal Injury Claims.
If you have suffered an injury and are looking to make an accident claim for compensation, understand how a personal injury Solicitors can help make you injury claim for you.
link
Debt Collection Solicitors.
The amount of money owing may dictate the route you take to reclaim your money, we recommend that you discuss your situation with a solicitor, or you can call the CAB on 08454 04 05 06.
link
Dental Negligence Solicitors
To undertake a dental negligence claim you must have sustained an injury or damage, as a result of the dental treatment understand the options available to you.
link
Family Law Solicitors.
Family Law Solicitors can help you resolve the problems which may arise in the break-up of relationships, including financial issues and matters concerning any children.
link
Motoring Offences Solicitors.
Will be able to assist on all areas of Motoring Law for Example Drink Driving, Dangerous Driving, Careless Driving, Totting Up, Speeding, Driving Without Insurance motor offences.
link
Will & Probate
Find a solicitor that can assist with wills, probate and estate planning in your area.
link