Early Christmas present
for same sex couples
9 September 2005
SAME-sex couples like Elton John and David Furnish need to plan now before becoming ‘civil partners’ this Christmas under a ground-breaking new law.
From December 5 The Civil Partnership Act will allow same-sex partners like the celebrity duo to enjoy the rights and responsibilities of married heterosexuals.
The Act means gay and lesbian couples aged 16 and over will get numerous financial benefits and legal rights including survivor pensions, equal treatment for tax purposes and protection from domestic violence.
Sir Elton has publicly announced he and long-time partner David will be among the first to take advantage of the new laws on 21 December – the first day partnerships can be registered following a 15 day notification period.
Jackie Yates, head of probate and conveyancing at MWR Solicitors in Preston, said: “Registering a civil partnership is an exciting step which will enable same sex couples to plan their lives together - but people should not rush into it.
“Couples will find it hard to think about financial matters when they are embarking on an exciting and revolutionary chapter in their lives but they must sit back and make informed judgements.
“This is particularly relevant where perhaps one person earns significantly more than the other or owns assets worth much more than the other.
“Another area to be addressed properly could be where one person has received an inheritance which they want to keep in the biological family.
“People should look at making pre-registration agreements to ensure their financial position if the relationship should break down.”
MWR Solicitors has over 50 employees in Preston and provides legal advice on all aspects of accident claims, occupational diseases, employment law and criminal injuries.
