Same Sex Relationships

In December 2005, legislation came into force which creates the right of same-sex couples to enter into a civil relationship which is akin to marriage.  The effect of the legislation is that it gives same sex-couples, who register their partnership under the Act, many of the same rights that are enjoyed by married couples. They include:

• Recognition under the rules of Intestacy. 
• The Ability of one partner to insure the other against death.
• Protection from domestic violence.

Extend to registered partnerships the financial remedies on dissolution of the partnership, that are currently available to couples who divorce.  This gives the courts the power, for example, to make maintenance, property adjustment, lump sums, and pension sharing orders.

There are other provisions that deal with the assessment of child maintenance, immigration and nationality, employment and pension benefits on death and fatal accident compensation.  Upon entering a civil relationship a pre-existing will becomes void and a new one will need to be made.

So, those couples who register their partnerships under the Act will, in many respects, have the same rights, privileges and legal redress, as do married couples.

The Family Law Team has experience in dealing with a number of issues that have arisen over the years within same sex relationships.