LGBTQ+ Divorce

We offer family law advice in respect of:

• Civil Partnership dissolution, same sex divorce, cohabitation or separation cases
• Civil Partnership or same sex marriage agreements
• Cohabitation agreements
• Financial settlements 
• Children issues

• From 5 December 2005 same sex couples can enter into a civil partnership.
• From 29 March 2014 same sex couples have been able to get married.
• A civil partnership may now be converted into a marriage.

A civil partnership is like a civil marriage. For example:

• Civil partners enjoy the same tax treatment
• Civil partners can acquire parental responsibility for each other’s children
• Civil partners may adopt a child or apply for a parental order (in respect of a surrogate child)

This is the divorce process, which is known as dissolution.

The new “no fault divorce” law  from 6 April 2022 is one of the most significant reforms of family law in many years. It also potentially signifies an important step for the LGBTQ+ community.

Under this new “No fault” divorce law, one or both parties only need to make a statement that the relationship has irretrievably broken down. No reasons are required.

The divorce cannot be to contested as the Family Court must accept the statement that the marriage has irretrievably broken down and make a final divorce order.

Financial settlements on dissolution of a civil partnership are the same as on divorce.

Some couples may have a civil partnership agreements. This is treated in the same way as marriage or relationship agreements, for example pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreements

We are experts in dealing with the legal issues concerning same sex couples. Our expert family lawyers advise on civil partnerships and same sex marriages, including negotiating pre-marriage and pre-civil partnership agreements, and the divorce and dissolution process.

We also offer a sensitive and professional approach in providing our family law advice to you.