Whether you choose to cohabit, enter into a civil partnership or marry, our expert team is able to provide detailed and tailored advice in respect of the legal and practical outcomes for you, both at the start of the relationship and also if it unfortunately breaks down.

The introduction of civil partnership in 2005 and same-sex marriage in 2014 were major legal and social landmarks. They bring huge advantages to same-sex couples, providing a secure legal framework for both the formation and dissolution of formal partnerships. Our lawyers have worked with many clients who are in same-sex relationships and we are able to draw on our wide range of experience and knowledge to provide you with high-quality advice in relation to the formation of a civil partnership or marriage and indeed in relation to relationship breakdown.

When unmarried couples separate the legal position is very different to that of married couples who are divorcing. Our team has the expertise to advise in relation to this complex area and has a proven track record of achieving positive results for unmarried partners and their families.

The laws that govern the separation of property and related issues for unmarried cohabitants are not nearly as far-reaching as the law relating to married couples. Unmarried partners cannot for example claim maintenance from the other, unless in relation to a child. Similarly, capital assets such as the family home are not necessarily split between the parties, equally or otherwise, as they may be on divorce. If the home that the family has lived in is owned in one partner’s sole name, the starting position is that it is their property and not an asset to be shared.  

It is however possible for one party to argue that they are entitled to a share in property owned solely by the other party by virtue of, for example, their investment in that property or promises made by the owning party as to ownership and shares. Similar types of arguments can also be used in relation to the level of each party’s share in property that is jointly owned.

Each case is different and dependent on its own specific facts. Matters can often be very complex but we pride ourselves on our ability to provide detailed and focused advice in respect of the best options and next steps for all of our clients. We also aim to give all of our clients’ practical interim tips to assist their long-term goals.

Relationships are increasingly international and the Bindmans family team has a wealth of knowledge to assist individuals who require advice in relation to cross-border marriage and divorce.

If there is any sort of international element in your relationship, for example if either you or your spouse is a foreign national or you have lived abroad, it is imperative that you seek urgent advice if a separation or divorce is on the horizon. There are particularly complex rules regarding where a couple may divorce and which court has jurisdiction. The financial outcome of a divorce can differ depending on whether a couple divorce in England or in another country so it is important that prompt advice is sought, before one spouse involves a foreign court and the decision is in effect taken out of the other spouse’s hands.

Our team has the relevant expertise and international contacts to provide advice in relation to this complex area of law where speed is often of the essence and good technical knowledge is required.