CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS
Francis Hanna & Company is specialised in providing advice for same sex couples who are looking to formalise their relationship by entering into a civil partnership.
Our solicitors will be able to advise you of the legal implications of your new partnership and should your relationship breakdown, will make sure you are aware how this will affect financial and children related matters.
One of the main benefits conferred to same-sex couples under the Civil Partnership Act 2004 is the ability to apportion property, arrange maintenance and divide pensions in the same way these matters are handled in divorce. In most situations, our lawyers can help negotiate and document settlement agreements on mutually satisfactory terms. When disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation, we can also assert or defend your interests through ancillary relief proceedings in court.
Another benefit that represents a major departure from prior law is the ability of civil partners to inherit from one another even in the absence of a valid will in much the same way that people in traditional marriages can. As well as advising civil partners about their rights upon the dissolution of the partnership, we also represent surviving partners about their rights in inheritance disputes.
Claire Edgar can advise you on any of these sensitive areas of law. If you have a question please do not hesitate to email Claire directly or her secretary, Beth.
Alternatively, call us on 028 9024 3901 or complete the brief online form.