Civil Partnership

The Civil Partnership Act 2004 provides a framework for establishing a new kind of recognised relationship between same-sex couples with most of the rights, responsibilities and other consequences of marriage. For the first time this will enable couples, gay men and lesbians to have their relationships recognised and to acquire legal and financial rights and protections as civil partners. The Act came into force on 5 December 2005. This comprehensive, practical guide will be invaluable for all practitioners in England and Wales who advise same-sex partners in family, private client and other areas of the law. It outlines all the key areas of the new regime: formation and registration; dissolution; financial consequences; and children and other rights and responsibilities. With practical checklists and flow-charts it covers all the areas practitioners need to be aware of including tax and tax planning, pensions, social security, immigration and housing. The accompanying CD-ROM ensures swift access to the Act and all the key Statutory instruments.