This week ONS published statistics which revealed that in 2021, there were approximately 20% less civil partnerships formed than in 2020.
Whilst civil partnerships were previously only available to same-sex couples, since December 2019, they have also been available to opposite- sex couples. In actual fact, rather interestingly, the majority of civil partnerships formed in 2021 were between opposite-sex couples.
Additionally, the introduction of same-sex marriage in 2013 may have contributed to the decrease in same-sex civil partnerships.
In effect, marriage and civil partnership are identical from a legal point of view. Indeed, spouses/civil partners have the same rights and obligations and the same financial remedies are available to them upon divorce/dissolution. This therefore raises the question of whether couples will continue to enter into civil partnerships moving forwards, or whether we will see a further decline.
If you require assistance in relation to any aspect of family law then please do not hesitate to contact us on 01274 861096 (Liversedge Office) or 01423 637272 (Harrogate Office) enquiries@barnesclarkfamily.law.