Civil partnerships

If you are in a same sex relationship and either have or are thinking about entering a civil partnership and would like to know more about your legal rights, the expert family solicitors at Copleys can help. If you are considering entering into a pre-partnership agreement, we can help you easily make sense of the content, effect and enforceability of any agreement you make.

Same sex couples have a choice; they may either marry or enter into a civil partnership. If they wish, same sex couples who are already in a civil partnership can convert their civil partnership into a marriage and receive a marriage certificate without brining the civil partnership to an end.

The process of conversion is relatively straightforward and the first step is to contact your local register office or visit their website. The conversion can take place at either a register office or religious or other approved premises where same sex marriages are allowed. The style of occasion can be as simple as attending an appointment together at the local register office and signing a conversion into marriage declaration or a ceremony can be held to mark the conversion, and family and frineds can join the couple to celebrate the occasion.

Same sex couples who eiher convert from civil partnership to marriage, marry or enter into a civil partnership are subject to the same legal rights and responsibilities.

Dissolution of a civil partnership is virtually identical to a divorce and the same principles apply to both procedures. Copleys will guide you through every step of the process and ensure that your interests are protected at all times. Whether you need advice on reaching a financial settlement or deciding arrangements for your children.

If you are interested in our services, please contact our specialist family law partner/solicitor Lucy Ardern at our Huntingdon office on 01480 456191 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Paula Hamilton at our St Ives office on 01480 464515 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.