Same sex marriages – not quite there yet

Same sex marriages – not quite there yet

A gay couple who wish to convert their civil partnership to a marriage when the new same sex marriage legislation comes into force in March 2014 is considering legal action against the Government after discovering that under the impending legislation, they cannot convert their civil partnership. If the couple wish to marry, they must first obtain a dissolution of their civil partnership.

Section 9 of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 is to be brought in to enable couples to convert their civil partnership into a marriage. However, despite announcing that the first same sex marriage could take place from 29 March 2014 it is not known when this section of legislation will be brought into force. This information has been requested by this couple from the Government who will then consider their options. They argue that they have been waiting for this legislation to be agreed for years and at the final hurdle it seems that the process just doesn’t seem to have been thought through.

James Maguire & Co is a specialist firm of Family Law and Divorce Law solicitors based in Wilmslow, Cheshire. We offer legal advice to parties considering cohabitation, including the preparation of cohabitation agreements, pre and post nuptial agreements and parties going through a separation (following cohabitation) or divorce or dissolution from a civil partnership including the financial issues which flow from this and children matters including child maintenance.

We can also advise on Schedule1 Children Act 1989 applications.

We advise clients in the Wilmslow area and also to the surrounding areas of Alderley Edge, Bramhall, Hale, Altrincham, Manchester and the North West. We are also able to act for clients nationally and internationally subject to the jurisdiction of England and Wales. For advice please contact James Maguire by telephone +44 (0) 1625 529456 or by email james.maguire@family-law.