Civil Partnerships & Same Sex Marriage
Civil Partnerships were introduced for same sex couples by the Civil Partnership Act 2004. In 2018, The Supreme Court ruled that restricting civil partnerships to same sex couples was incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. Since December 2019, it has been possible for both opposite sex and same sex couples to enter into a civil partnership.
"Payne Hicks Beach have a well-deserved reputation for handling complex and sophisticated matters, and have an exceedingly strong team who go above and beyond for their clients."
Essentially, civil partners are granted the same rights as married couples in the event that the relationship breaks down. We are experienced in advising individuals who have entered into a civil partnership where the partnership has sadly broken down. We are experts in advising upon and seeking to resolve the practical consequences of civil partnership breakdown; including, where appropriate, the financial claims.
We are also able to advise, in anticipation of a civil partnership, on the formation of agreements to regulate a couples financial affairs in the event that the relationship breaks down – a pre-civil partnership agreement
With top ratings in Chambers UK, Chambers HNW and The Legal 500 UK guides, the Family Team is recognised as frequently advising in some of the most high-value and high-profile cases in the market, including cases involving complex international aspects.
The Family Team at Payne Hicks Beach is ranked in Chambers HNW 2023. The directory writes that “Payne Hicks Beach has a highly esteemed family law department which regularly handles high-value and sophisticated matters.” Testimonials include “They are uniformly first rate, from the technical ability of more junior team members with day to day responsibility on a case, to the deep experience and strategic thinking offered by the partners and more senior associates” and “PHB are absolutely excellent. They are all extremely competent, and can handle really big cases without being fazed by anything.” With rankings over many years in Chambers HNW, testimonials include “They’re as good as you’ll find; they’re a class act,” says a source, explaining: “They have a lot of depth to their practice. They all have great experience and are very good to deal with.” Another comments: “They are a fantastic group of lawyers. They provide excellent advice to clients, and they have strong expertise in a range of areas. They really invest in their clients; it’s a real pleasure dealing with them.”
The Legal 500 UK 2023 describes Payne Hicks Beach LLP as a “top notch firm that does A list work for the most influential, successful and high profile clients.” The law directory expands to say that “the department is ‘outstanding’ and garners praise for its specialist advice on the full spectrum of complex family law issues often with an international dimension for high-profile individuals, entrepreneurs, UHNWs and others including members of international Royalty” and recognises that the team “is frequently instructed in cases that go to the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.” “Overall it is a ‘class act with a team of great lawyers who know exactly how to run the big, difficult litigation but never lose sight of what the client wants’.” One source comments: “The PHB family team has exceptional experience of the most complex international family law disputes. Very few other firms have this level of experience. Hand-in-hand with this the firm delivers a very personal service, giving clients the assurance that both their case and their welfare are being cared for with utmost attention.”
To learn more about divorce and separation visit our dedicated webpage and download our guide.
“A top notch firm that does A list work for the most influential, successful and high profile clients.”
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