According to a recent government announcement, mixed sex couples will soon be allowed to enter into civil partnerships. This will offer cohabitating couples an alternative way in which to secure their legal rights and obligations towards each other, aside from marriage or a cohabitation agreement.
How does it differ from marriage?
The process of entering into a civil partnership is different to that of a marriage. Ultimately however, the legal impact of the two is very similar. Presently, civil partners have the same rights as married couples in relation to inheritance tax, state pension, child maintenance, parental responsibility and other areas of family law. Whilst the government has not set out the terms of the new legislation, it is expected to be similar.
If you want to find out more about your rights as a cohabiting couple, you can contact Charlotte Lane, Solicitor at asb law LLP on charlotte.lane@asb-law.com.
