While same-sex couples are likely to face the same legal issues as any other couple, there are also a number of issues that are unique to LGBT relationships.
At Thornton Jones, our family lawyers are highly experienced in supporting same-sex couples, so can advise you on all of the legal issues you face, but during your relationship and if your relationship comes to an end.
We offer friendly, compassionate legal advice and guidance, with our ethos being centred on removing conflict from family law wherever possible. This means that even where there are complex and contentious issues that need to be unpicked, we can typically help you achieve a positive outcome without the need for court action.
Speak to one of our experts in same-sex family law now by calling 01924 290 029 or use our online enquiry form.
Our family law services for same-sex couples
We offer a wide range of family law services for same-sex couples, helping to support you through all of the legal issues surrounding your relationship.
Co-habitation agreements
With so many couples choosing to live together without marrying or entering a civil partnership, a co-habitation agreement can be a very good idea.
This can allow you to define how important practical issues will be dealt with, such as how rent or mortgage payments will be split and what rights either party will have over the shared home in the event that the relationship ends.
We can help you create a fair co-habitation agreement that works for both parties, helping to avoid conflict both during your relationship and if things don’t work out.
Pre-nuptial agreements & Pre-registration agreements
Whether you are getting married or entering a civil partnership, it can be a good idea to consider what would happen if your relationship were to end. This is often a particular concern for people marrying or entering a civil partnership later in life, especially where you already have children from a previous relationship to consider.
We can help you create a civil partnership agreement that ensures your long-term financial security and your children’s inheritance is secure, no matter how your relationship works out.
Same-sex divorce
Our divorce lawyers are highly experienced in all of the legal issues involved in divorce. We can guide you through the legal process of ending your marriage, as well as helping you with issues such as making a financial settlement and arrangements for children.
Civil partnership dissolution
Our family lawyers are highly experienced in civil partnership dissolutions, so can provide expert guidance for legal process, and help you to deal with separating your finances and other practical considerations, including for any children you have.
Same-sex family dispute resolution
We always aim to take a non-confrontational approach to resolving family law disputes, including those surrounding divorce, civil partnership dissolution and co-habitation disputes.
Our family law solicitors are experts in alternative approaches to family dispute resolution, allowing you to agree amicable solutions while avoid the need for court action wherever possible.
Options we can offer include mediation, collaborative law and arbitration, all of which can save you a significant amount of time, money and stress compared to going down the route of court proceedings.
Wills for same-sex couples
Whether you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, it is vitally important to have a valid, up-to-date Will, especially if you have children. A Will makes clear exactly what you want to happen to your estate in the event of your death and ensures your loved ones will be properly taken care of after you are gone.
If you are married or in a civil partnership and do not have a Will, if you predecease your spouse/civil partner, they will automatically inherit the first £250,000 of your estate, plus half of everything above this. If you have children, they will inherit the remainder. If you have no children, you spouse/civil partner will inherit your whole estate, whatever its value.
However, if you are not married or in a civil partnership, your partner will not be entitled to any of your estate unless you have a valid will specifying otherwise. This makes it particularly important to create or update a Will to make your wishes clear.
Our friendly, expert Will writing solicitors can help you create a Will that ensures your wishes will be respected and your loved ones taken care of if the worst were to happen.
Our fees for same-sex family law
We are able to offer some of our same-sex family law services on a fixed fee basis, while others will be charged on an hourly rate. The exact costs will depend on the complexity of the work, and therefore the level of expertise and time required.
You can find out more about our same-sex family law fees by checking out our fees and funding page.
Why choose Thornton Jones’ family lawyers for same-sex couples?
Our family law team have decades of experience helping couples all over Yorkshire and the wider UK with all areas of family law, divorce and relationship breakdown. This allows us to offer clear, practical advice based on what we know works.
Our team includes Clare Thornton, who is a Resolution accredited specialist, family mediator, collaborative lawyer and family arbitrator (one of the only lawyers in the UK who can offer this service).
This expertise means we can find the perfect approach tailored to your situation, while allowing you all of the benefits of resolving your family disputes without resorting to court action.
We are accredited by the Law Society for Family Law and independently regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
Get in touch with our family law for same-sex relationships lawyers in West Yorkshire
Speak to our family law for same-sex relationships solicitors in Wakefield, Ossett, Garforth, Sherburn in Elmet or Mapplewell, West Yorkshire today by calling 01924 290 029 or ask a question using our online enquiry form.
