From 2nd December mixed sex couples can register their intention to enter into a civil partnership. Before this date civil partnerships were only available to same-sex couples.
Civil partnerships provide couples with largely the same rights and responsibilities as marriages. Although marriages can take place in front of the registrar without any reference to religion, it is felt by some that a civil partnership is more reflective of secular living.
The change to the law was announced in 2018 to address the perceived “imbalance” which saw same-sex couples being able to choose whether to enter into a civil partnership or a marriage whereas the only option available for mixed sex couples was marriage.
There is a requirement that a minimum of 28 days’ notice is given of an intention to enter into a civil partnership which means that the first date that mixed sex couples could enter into a civil partnership is New Year’s Eve 2019.
It is still important to consider whether it is appropriate to enter into a pre-partnership agreement to seek to protect financial assets in good time before any future civil partnership is entered into. If this is something that you wish to receive advice on please contact our Exeter office on 01392 421 777 or our Plymouth office on 01752 674 999 office.
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