Dissolution of Civil Partnerships
The first Civil Partnership was registered in 2005. The first dissolution (same sex version of a divorce) took place in 2006. We have acted for a number of clients who have gone through Civil Partnership dissolutions, and are well-placed to advise clients on the issues that may arise in this context.
One point which is not widely known is that not all County Courts have jurisdiction to handle Civil Partnership dissolutions and this can occasionally cause problems.
The procedure for obtaining dissolution of a Civil Partnership is very similar to divorce and the Collaborative Law process can be a particularly appropriate way of resolving problems which arise in this area. Please click here for more information, call 01284 763333, or email eah@gross.co.uk.
How Courts approach financial settlements between civil partners is something which is still in the developmental stage. Anecdotal evidence from dissolutions in London lead us to believe Courts will approach CP dissolutions in exactly the same way as they will a divorce. However, many CPs which are currently being dissolved are of relatively short duration, and the longevity of a partnership is a significant factor affecting the manner in which the Court approaches the division of capital assets between a couple.
This is a new area, for all family lawyers. It will be a case of "watch this space" for some years to come.
For assistance with dissolution of a Civil Partnership contact Elizabeth Hodder at eah@gross.co.uk or Julie McDonald at jm@gross.co.uk .