Civil Partnerships
Specialist Advice From Award Winning Family Lawyers
Our family lawyers have significant experience in advising couples on pre-partnership agreements, detailing financial and property arrangements in the event that the partnership end. We also provide expert advice to resolve any disputes arising from separation.
“The family law team at Osbornes is one of the strongest in London; across all areas of work from international cases, financial and children work, Osbornes is a market leader.”
“Osbornes handle a significant amount of complex, high-value divorce work.”
“Osbornes is a top-end firm, a very well-established name. They have high-value matters, deal with complex matters and have a good team.”
The Civil Partnerships Act 2004 came into force on 5 December 2005.
The Act provides a framework for the dissolution of partnerships and the resolution of financial disputes upon the breakdown of same-sex relationships where there has been a formal registration of the relationship under the Act.
Registration was allowed from 20 December 2005. Same-sex couples who sign a civil partnership registration document commit themselves to a range of rights and responsibilities essentially the same as those associated with marriage.
Civil partnership is not the same as a gay marriage. Still, the rules and legal principles concerning the creation and dissolution of civil partnerships are based mostly on those governing marriage. Before entering into a civil partnership couples may want to clarify what should happen regarding their finances in the event of separation. In these circumstances, you may want to draw up a pre-partnership agreement.
Ending a civil partnership
In the event that your civil partnership breaks down, you will need to apply for a dissolution which is the equivalent of a divorce. If children are involved legal representation can ensure the appropriate arrangements are made. The court may end a civil partnership on an application by either of the parties.
Upon dissolution, it is open to either partner to apply to the partnership finances, and such issues are dealt with in the same manner that financial disputes between married couples would be dealt with.
Specialist advice from leading lawyers
If you are entering into a civil partnership and would like to draw up a pre-nuptial agreement, have already entered into a civil partnership and wish to sort out financial or children arrangements, or if you intend to dissolve a civil partnership, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our family team who will have a confidential chat with you regarding your situation. We will then be able to advise you on whether we can help you.
FAQs
When did civil partnerships become legal in the UK?
Civil Partnerships became legal in the UK when the Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into force on 5 December 2005.
Do the same rules apply to ending civil partnerships and marriages?
A case at the Court of Appeal over the splitting of a gay couple’s £4 million assets has made headlines due to the couple’s financial situation.
Peter Lawrence, a city analyst and Don Gallagher a stage actor, made the decision to dissolve their civil partnership after seven months, although the couple had been together for eleven years prior to entering the civil partnership. The court awarded Mr Gallagher £1.7 million on the dissolution of the partnership, most of which would come from the value of the central London flat they once shared.
Same rules should apply to civil partnerships and marriages
Mr Lawrence who earns approximately £400,000 per year and who was by far the higher earner has appealed claiming the flat should not be included in the settlement. Counsel for Mr Lawrence argued that he bought the London flat just before the couple met and should not be treated as a shared asset. The flat which was bought for £650,000 is now worth £2.4 million. The barrister for Mr Lawrence told the court: “This was, of course, a civil partnership rather than a marriage and although the same principles apply, it is a simple truth that in a homosexual relationship it is more likely that the couple will not have children, and that they will therefore each continue to pursue their careers throughout the partnership, as they did before”.
Counsel for Mr Gallagher responded claiming that while he had joined the relationship with no more than £40,000 of his own assets he had performed a “major domestic and home-making role” in the relationship. It was argued that Mr Gallagher had “helped to create and maintain a lovely home in the flat in various ways including improvement of layout, fixtures and redecoration.
Without including the flat in the assets to be split, Mr Gallagher would be entitled to around £620,000. A decision by the Court of Appeal is expected later this year. This case is of interest as it will set a precedent in the settling of financial issues when dissolving civil partnerships.
Speak to a Family Solicitor Today
Call us 020 7485 8811
Email us Send us an email and we’ll get back to you
Osbornes offers a high level of client care and manages client expectations realistically.
They have a strong team, are heavyweights in this space and are very well respected in the courts.
Osbornes handle a significant amount of complex, high-value divorce work.
Osbornes have talented fee-earners at all levels.
Osbornes is a top-end firm, a very well-established name. They have high-value matters, deal with complex matters and have a good team.
I have found the team at Osbornes works very well together to diligently produce a quality end result. Client service has been excellent and I feel like I am in safe hands.
Osbornes is a power house of a family firm. They are robust but realistic and client focused.
Osbornes has lawyers with excellent experience.
Lisa Pepper has an excellent mediation practice, acting for a range of individuals and with a great manner with clients.
Lisa Pepper at Osbornes is an excellent lawyer mediator. She is approachable, calm, unflappable and engaging. I would trust her to mediate on any case.
Her non-judgemental approach quickly gains parties' trust, and her impressive legal expertise ensures all aspects are carefully considered.
I frequently recommend Lisa Pepper with no hesitation as she is obviously at the top of her game in terms of the law.
Mark Freedman is incredibly responsive and conscientious with great street-smarts. A fighter who will get the job done.
Lisa Pepper is an experienced, tried, tested and trusted mediator. She gets results and her success rate at achieving a settlement through mediation is unrivalled.
Osbornes is a hugely impressive firm that offers strength and depth to its clients.
Lisa's substantial insight into financial disputes involving high-net-worth individuals is where her skills lie.
Lisa Pepper is an exceptional mediator. Her mediation skills are outstanding and enable her to resolve even the most complex and confrontational cases.
Lisa Pepper is an outstanding mediator with a reputation for resolving even the most complex disputes.
Lisa Pepper is a mediator with the instinct needed to help clients move forward. She has excellent client skills.
Lisa Pepper offers remote mediation options alongside standard face-to-face meetings.
Lisa pepper heads the Mediation team and she is often mediating for high-net-worth individuals in both financial and private children matters.
Exceptional mediator’ Lisa Pepper is at the top of her game.
The family law team at Osbornes is one of the strongest in London.
The firm’s alternative parenting team is headed up by Naomi Angell, handling domestic and international adoption, surrogacy, and fertility issues.
Osbornes‘ family team is headed up by Mark Freedman, a mediator and fighter who will get the job done on both complex financial matters and international children cases.
A market leader across public law, international cases, financial and children work.
"Osbornes handle a significant amount of complex, high-value divorce work."
"Osbornes have talented fee earners at all levels."
"Osbornes is a top-end firm, a very well-established name. They have high-value matters, deal with complex matters and have a good team."
"Lisa Pepper is a standout mediator - smart, sensitive and able to narrow the issues with ease."
"Lisa is good at cutting to the chase and identifying issues. She gets people talking and brings people together."
"Lisa is excellent - she's efficient, has a very good rapport with her clients and has an enormously outgoing energy. She is very effective in managing clients' cases."
Osbornes is vastly experienced and able to think around the issues and consider them in a new and refreshing way
Osbornes is a really good team that gives a first-class service which is both sensible and insightful but also supportive of the client's needs.
Osbornes Law offers affluent clients representation in high-value, complex family matters.
"Osbornes Law have a very broad family practice which does all areas of family law at a high level. They have an excellent practice; they are top quality across the board."
Osbornes have been a sound firm forever. They have phenomenal work and an excellent skill set.
Osbornes have high-end partners doing high-end work. They are very impressive.
They have an excellent practice; they are top quality across the board.
Osbornes have a very broad family practice which does all areas of family law at a high level.
He is very hard-working, diligent and thoughtful in his approach. He is on top of the detail and makes strategic decisions.
He commits himself to getting the best results.
He’s a really tough litigator that you certainly want on your side. He will defend his clients to the hilt.
Mark is an immensely capable lawyer, with vast experience and a well-deserved reputation for getting the very best for his clients.
Lisa Pepper is extremely hard-working and adored by her clients. She is a very empathetic and approachable lawyer.
She’s an extremely supportive and kind lawyer and has an increasing mediation profile too
Andrew secured me the best financial settlement for my claim. He is a credit to Osbornes Solicitors.
"It has a strong and experienced team of solicitors who don’t take bad points, work sensibly to get a settlement and who you can always pick up the phone and speak to. They are good lawyers and know the strengths and weaknesses of their clients’ cases. They don’t posture and always pursue their clients cases appropriately. "
"Mark Freedman is a very capable lawyer, renowned for not being a pushover and pushing his clients’ cases as much as he can, but will always talk sensibly about settlement. He is among the best – tenacious, good judgment and tactically aware."
"Mark Freedman is a dynamic and highly experienced family lawyer who fights extremely hard for his clients and is always in their corner, thus ensuring their loyalty and confidence. In a trial you would always want him on your side."
"Bridget Thompson combines her excellent legal knowledge with a clear, succinct and robust style of advice and advocacy. Her approach clearly inspires a high degree of client confidence in her"
"She has impressed me as someone who fights my corner but also understands the importance of resolving issues without unnecessary escalation. She is calm and reassuring."
"Her mediation practice is exceptional; she is also a great solicitor and has a breadth of skill which is really useful."
"He is really experienced and wise. He has a lovely manner about him and clients feel safe with him."
"Jo Wescott is top notch and widely recognised as a rising star throughout the profession. She brings a winning combination of great judgement, an immense work ethic, and a relaxed and charming way with opponents and clients alike. Someone you want on your side”
"Osbornes is pre-eminent for family law in North London. Mark Freedman is a real rainmaker. He is an excellent lawyer and has a top-notch practice"
Mark Freedman is intelligent and personable and has a good selection of high-net work cases.
"Exceptional value for money. Highly competent and reasonably priced. Mark Freedman: one of the best in the field."
"Client-focused. Ready to fight the clients’ corner, but also ready where possible to steer client from unnecessary dispute. Mark Freedman – very experienced, with good instinct for the eventual result. Clients love him and he thinks ahead and directs the client to the best result for the client."
Mark Freedman is a serious player. A fearless family law litigator, who protects his clients’ interests passionately.
Breadth of knowledge and willingness to go the extra mile is what makes it stand out. Mark Freedman – devoted to his clients
Mark Freedman frequently takes on high-value financial and children proceedings that involve complex tax, trust and accounting issues. Sources praise the "tenacity and common sense" he brings to challenging disputes.
"Mark is very experienced, competent, good with clients and takes a sensible approach to cases. He knows exactly what he's doing."
"An exceptional outfit. They take on difficult cases, fight hard and win."
"They are an outstanding firm to work with. They are consistently impressive in their work."
"The team frequently deals with cross-border estates for high–net-worth individuals."
"Mark Freedman is a real heavyweight litigator who has dealt with some very significant cases."
"Mark Freedman boxes clever, keeps his powder dry and when it comes to the end game he negotiates a really good deal."
"Mark Freedman has a specific focus on high-net-worth divorces and finance cases where there are overseas assets and trusts."
"Lisa Pepper somehow manages to get parties to settle on matters where there isn’t much hope to start out with."
"Well-regarded family practice assisting clients with substantial matrimonial disputes and sensitive children proceedings."
"Mark Freedman draws acclaim for his work in high net worth divorce cases, including those involving company structures, family trusts and overseas assets."
"He never gives up. He fights for you to the end and has boundless energy."
Bridget Thompson heads the family team, where client care is the top priority.
Mark Freedman advises high-net-worth clients and knows his stuff.
Highly regarded for his experience as a litigation and mediation expertise, Mark Freedman is tenacious and determined. Clients really feel that he is fighting their corner.
[The Family Law department] handles significant matrimonial finance cases and complex nuptial agreements. Respected for its expertise in cross-border children law matters.
They have a really good, strong team, with the junior elements punching well above their weight. It doesn't matter who you talk to; they are all switched on."
"Mark Freedman receives a lot of instructions from clients based abroad, often relating to complex divorce proceedings. Sources say: “His main strengths are his enthusiastic passion for the job in hand and his total dedication to his clients.”
This team is perhaps best known for its children work, often involving complex international dynamics.
News & Insights from our Family Law SolicitorsVIEW ALL
17.4.2025The Risks of International Surrogacy: A Cautionary Message
The risks of international surrogacy and the importance of getting legal advice At Osbornes Law, the family solicitors are specialists...
Read more
17.2.2025Domestic Violence: Restricting Parental Responsibility
Domestic violence, coercive control and restricting parental responsibility Parental responsibility (PR) is an inherent legal right for most birth parents,...
Read more- 4.2.2025
Expensive Purchases in Prenups: Joint or Sole Property?
Prenuptial agreements: are expensive purchases joint or sole property? The experienced family lawyers at Osbornes Law advise wealthy and high...
Read more - 23.1.2025
Contempt of Court: Law Commission’s Reform Proposals
Reforming Contempt of Court: Law Commission’s Proposals The Law Commission had been tasked by the Government to review the...
Read more - 23.1.2025
Post-Adoption Contact With Birth Parent: Not If Adopters...
Post-Adoption Contact With Birth Parent It is not uncommon for a birth parent to seek direct contact with an adopted...
Read more - 23.1.2025
A High Bar For Challenging Adoption Orders
Challenging adoption orders Adoption orders bring considerable implications for all the parties and judges do not make such orders lightly....
Read more - 16.1.2025
The Importance Of An Older Child’s Feelings...
The importance of an older child’s feelings and wishes when making a final order When decisions are made concerning...
Read more - 16.12.2024
Vulnerable Clients: Female Psychologist Appointed
Court Allows Female Expert for Abuse Victim in Family Case Many of our family clients are highly vulnerable, and sensitivity...
Read more 
4.11.2024Anglo-French Divorce: Jurisdiction Guide
Anglo-French Divorce: which jurisdiction is right for you? It has been a year since we launched our Anglo-French department in...
Read more- 1.10.2024
Borrowing Money for Legal Fees in Divorce
What if I can’t afford a lawyer for my divorce? When navigating a divorce, it is widely understood that...
Read more - 27.9.2024
Navigating Divorce, Child Arrangements, and the Jewish Festivals:...
A Jewish divorce presents unique challenges, especially regarding child arrangements and upcoming festivals. Balancing differing levels of religious observance can...
Read more 
25.9.2024Who Pays the Debts After Divorce?
Am I liable for my husband’s debts if we are separated? Debt is a significant source of stress for...
Read more- 25.9.2024
What Happens to Savings & Investments in Divorce?
Divorce often raises important questions about the division of assets, particularly savings and investments. Understanding what happens to these financial...
Read more - 20.9.2024
Navigating Property Rights in Divorce: Yacht vs. House
A Yacht, A House, and Terminating Matrimonial Home Rights The family court has ruled in the latest instalment of a...
Read more 
17.9.2024High Court Returns Abducted Children from UK to...
Children abducted from Austria and smuggled to UK on small boat by father returned to Austria by the High Court...
Read more- 12.9.2024
Landmark Decision: A Surrogate Mother’s Rights Are...
In the world of surrogacy, legal rights and parental responsibilities can be a complicated issue. Non-profit surrogacy is legal in...
Read more - 8.8.2024
Wife’s Award Increased Due to Failure To...
Understanding the Impact of Changed Circumstances on Prenuptial Agreements Prenuptial agreements have become the norm where a husband or wife...
Read more - 5.8.2024
Why Did Lauryn Goodman Take Kyle Walker to...
Introduction to the case After a judge took the unusual step of making his judgement public, we’re starting to...
Read more - 1.8.2024
Standish v Standish: Court of Appeal Decision on...
Court of Appeal reduces wife’s divorce award by £20million Dealing with financial matters on divorce can be complex. And...
Read more 
1.8.2024Matrimonial vs Non-Matrimonial Assets
Matrimonial vs Non-Matrimonial Assets in Divorce During a divorce, people often make the mistake of assuming that everything they own...
Read more- 1.8.2024
What is a Periodical Payments Order?
Periodical Payments Orders in Divorce Throughout the process of a divorce or when unmarried couples with children split up, numerous...
Read more - 1.8.2024
What is a Lump Sum Order?
A lump sum order is a crucial element of divorce settlements that can significantly impact the financial future of both...
Read more - 1.8.2024
Common Law Partners
Common law partner meaning Common law marriage is the idea that two people who live together and act as if...
Read more - 25.7.2024
What is a Property Adjustment Order?
A property adjustment order is a key legal mechanism used during a divorce to fairly divide property and assets between...
Read more
Accreditations
Most Visited Family Law Pages
Our Family Lawyers View the whole team
Claire Andrews
Partner
Family LawMark Freedman
Partner
Family LawLauren Hall
Partner
Family LawMaria Kitsiou
Partner
Family LawLisa Pepper
Partner
Family LawMartin Ross
Partner
Family LawYael Selig
Partner
Family LawAndrew Watson
Partner
Family LawJoanne Wescott
Managing Partner
Family LawNaomi Angell
Consultant
Family LawDiana Bastow
Senior Associate
Family LawJohn Burrell
Consultant
Family LawEmily Charlesworth
Solicitor
Family LawAmy-Jo Fletcher
Solicitor
Family LawLauren Gaines
Associate
Family LawSara Gatt-Floridia
Paralegal
Family LawAlicja Glabicka
Paralegal
Family LawHannah Goldstein
Solicitor
Family LawIsabelle James
Solicitor
Family LawJonathan Jonas
Senior Associate
Family LawChloe Khor
Paralegal
Family LawDavid Leadercramer
Consultant
Family LawEmma Lees
Solicitor
Family LawNikki Lyttleton
Legal Assistant
Family LawView the
whole team
