A relatively new area of law in force since December 1995. It allows legal recognition of same sex couples following the registration of their Civil Partnership.

Remedies relating to Civil Partnership Dissolutions are similar to those that arise within Divorce proceedings both in relation to the dissolving of the partnership itself and the financial arrangements that will inevitably need to be made.

Non-owning partners have rights to occupy the parties' home on separation as would be the case with separating married couples.

Pension rights are extended to civil partners as are rights under the intestacy rules in the event of a civil partner dying without a Will.

The legislation also provides for a party to apply to obtain orders relating to the children of their civil partner to include parental responsibility, contact and residence. The law here also allows for a civil partner to apply for financial provision for a child of the family on separation/dissolution.