Skip to Content

Civil Partnerships for Heterosexual Couples: Legal Rights and Practical Considerations.

Since the introduction of the Civil Partnerships (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations in December 2019, heterosexual couples in England and Wales have had the legal right to form civil partnerships. This change followed a Supreme Court ruling in 2018 that found the previous exclusion discriminatory under the European Convention on Human Rights.



Key Features of Civil Partnerships



  • Legal Recognition: Civil partnerships offer the same legal rights as marriage in areas such as inheritance, tax, pensions, and next-of-kin status.

  • Non-Religious Framework: Unlike marriage, civil partnerships are entirely secular and do not involve religious ceremonies or vows.

  • Ending the Partnership: Civil partnerships can be dissolved through a legal process similar to divorce, requiring proof of irretrievable breakdown.



Why Some Couples Choose Civil Partnership



  • Equality and Neutrality: Some couples prefer a legal union without the historical or religious connotations of marriage.

  • Financial Planning: Civil partnerships offer inheritance tax exemptions and pension rights equivalent to marriage.

  • Legal Protection: Cohabiting couples without legal status risk losing rights on death or separation—civil partnership closes that gap.



Recent Trends and Statistics



  • Uptake: Over 15,000 opposite-sex civil partnerships have been registered since 2020, with steady growth among older couples and second unions.

  • Legal Clarity: Family law practitioners report increased demand for pre-partnership agreements and estate planning advice.



What to Consider Before Registering



  • Legal Advice: Consider a solicitor’s guidance on property ownership, wills, and financial arrangements before entering a civil partnership.

  • Registration Process: Couples must give notice at their local register office and wait 28 days before the partnership can be formed.

  • International Recognition: Civil partnerships may not be recognised in all countries—check local laws if relocating or travelling.




For tailored advice on civil partnerships, cohabitation rights, or family law planning, contact a solicitor specialising in relationship law.

Civil Partnerships for Heterosexual Couples: Legal Rights and Practical Considerations.
Image Description
related news
recent articles
Major Change in Divorce Law - no fault divorces

Government to finally introduce 'no-fault' Divorce laws..

link

How to end a Civil Partnership.

Whilst a Civil partnership is different to a marriage in many ways, ending one can follow similar lines to a marriage breakdown...

Cohabitation Agreement

Cohabitation Agreement -
Many couples live together out of wedlock, some for the tricky trial period 'can we live together without killing each other', some co..

Protecting your on-line memories

Protecting your on-line memories - In a recent survey over 2,000 people were asked what they think happens to digital images on Facebook if a user passes away,..

Civil partnership for Heterosexual Couples

A change in the marriage laws..

link

Financial Orders | Family Law.

What happens to money, property and debt with divorce, partnership and relationships splits?..

The legal rights of unmarried couples.

The legal rights of unmarried couples, regarding property. - In the event of the breakup of a relationship where the couple are not married what happens to the..

Guide to a Prenuptial agreements.

A prenuptial agreement (prenup) is an agreement set up by a couple prior to marriage, the prenup will detail how finances work whilst married and in the event t..

How to end a Civil Partnership.

Whilst a Civil partnership is different to a marriage in many way..

link

Injunctions.

How to apply for one, and what is an injunction? - If you are seeking an injunction we would recommend that you take immediate advice...

The Divorce Process

This guide lays out the Divorce Process in the UK; Divorce is defined by the Legal dissolution of a marriage by an accepted body or by Judgement of a court...

Reasons for Divorce

Reasons for Divorce. - What constitutes grounds for divorce..

Image Description
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law
Back to top