In June 2018, Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan were successful in their legal challenge, where they argued that they should have the right to enter into a civil partnership just like a same-sex couple. Civil partnerships for same-sex couples have been legal since 2004, with gay marriage made legal in 2013.
The Supreme Court ruled that the current system which prevents heterosexual couples from entering into civil partnerships is in breach of certain parts of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Following this, Prime Minister Theresa May announced at the recent Conservative Party Conference that all couples would be provided with equal choices when it comes to their relationships, saying:
"This change in the law helps protect the interests of opposite-sex couples who want to commit, want to formalise their relationship but don't necessarily want to get married.”
Why choose a civil partnership over marriage?
Once the change in the law comes into effect, couples will be able to choose which option – marriage or civil partnership – is best for them. But how are civil partnerships and marriages different, and why would you choose the former as opposed to tying the knot?
One of the most persuasive reasons to choose a civil partnership relates to the negative associations marriage has for many people. Even if you simply tie the knot in a registry office, many couples still feel uncomfortable with the ‘baggage’ relating to religion or outdated patriarchal systems, or both, that comes with marriage.
A civil partnership offers the benefit of a simple legal contract between two people, which provides the same protections of marriage, but without these connotations. If civil partnerships for mixed-sex couples are the same as the existing provision for same-sex couples, and it is highly likely they will be, they will offer couples rights such as:
- Next of kin
- Inheritance
- Tax
- Pensions
Rather than referring to each other as ‘husband’ and ‘wife’, those in a civil partnership will have the legal status as ‘partner’. Civil partnerships are also dissolved in nearly the same way as marriages if the relationship should end.
One couple that campaigned for a change in the law back in 2013, Ian Goggin and his partner Kristin Skarsholt, are likely to be delighted at the news. Speaking in a Channel 4 News article, Ian explained why he’s in favour of civil partnerships being available to all:
“We want a simple civil contract between ourselves, where we’re recognised as partners rather than husband and wife,”
“I quite like the lack of a requirement to have any ceremony. It’s a simple legal attachment.”
If you need expert legal assistance deciding which option is best for you and your partner, or you need help ending a marriage or civil partnership, please get in touch with the team at Wirral divorce solicitors Tracey Miller Family Law.