On 5th December 2025, we marked two decades since the Civil Partnership Act came into force across the UK. This landmark legislation represented a transformative moment for same-sex couples, offering legal recognition and protection for their relationships for the first time in British history.
For many couples who registered civil partnerships in those early days, it meant more than just a ceremony. It meant finally having legal rights that opposite-sex married couples had long taken for granted: the ability to inherit from a partner, to be recognised as next of kin in medical emergencies, and to have their relationship acknowledged in law.
A Timeline of progress
2005: The beginning
When civil partnerships became available on 5th December 2005, they immediately granted same-sex couples a comprehensive package of legal rights and responsibilities. Couples could now enjoy protection in areas including property ownership, inheritance, and rights in connection with children and inheritance matters. The response was overwhelming, with thousands of couples registering their partnerships in the first months.
2007: Gender recognition considerations
The interaction between the Gender Recognition Act 2004 and civil partnerships created important legal considerations. Transgender individuals in civil partnerships needed to navigate specific legal requirements when seeking gender recognition, highlighting the evolving nature of family law.
2013: Marriage equality on the horizon
The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 marked another significant milestone. While civil partnerships had provided legal protection, many couples and campaigners argued that only full marriage equality would end discrimination. The Act paved the way for same-sex couples to marry, whilst also allowing existing civil partners to convert their partnerships into marriages if they wished.
2014: Same-sex marriage becomes reality
On 29th March 2014, the first same-sex marriages took place in England and Wales. Existing civil partners were given the option to convert their partnerships into marriages, though many chose to maintain their civil partnerships, valuing the unique history and significance of that status.
2019: Civil partnerships for all
Following a Supreme Court ruling in 2018 (R (on the application of Steinfeld and Keidan) (Appellants) v Secretary of State for the International Development [2018] UKSC 32), civil partnerships were extended to opposite-sex couples from 31st December 2019. Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan’s successful legal challenge recognised that the difference in treatment between same-sex and opposite-sex couples was discriminatory. This change acknowledged that civil partnerships offered a valued alternative to marriage for couples of all orientations.
The legal protections that changed lives
The introduction of civil partnerships brought crucial legal protections that many of us might take for granted today.
Property and financial rights
When a civil partnership ends, both partners have the same rights to financial provision as married couples do upon divorce. The court can make orders relating to property, pension sharing, and ongoing financial support (among others). This protection ensures fairness and prevents one partner from being left financially vulnerable after a relationship breakdown.
Inheritance and intestacy protections
Before civil partnerships, same-sex couples had no automatic inheritance rights. If one partner died without a Will, the surviving partner had no legal claim to their estate. Civil partnerships changed this fundamentally. Civil partners, like spouses in a marriage, inherit automatically where Intestacy Rules apply (i.e. the rules in respect of what happens if a person dies without a valid will).
Children
Civil partnerships also provided clearer routes to shared parental responsibility, in line with those of married couples. Like spouses in a marriage, both partners in a civil partnership can adopt children jointly, and exercise parental responsibility in matters relating to their children’s education, healthcare, and upbringing. This legal recognition has been very important for many families across the country.
Looking forward
Twenty years on, civil partnerships remain an important part of the legal landscape. Whether you’re considering entering into a civil partnership, thinking about converting a civil partnership to a marriage, navigating the dissolution of a civil partnership, or ensuring your estate planning reflects your wishes, understanding your legal rights and options is essential.
At Slater Heelis, we’re proud of our longstanding commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. We work closely with organisations including the LGBT Foundation and Switchboard, and our teams understand the unique considerations that LGBTQ+ clients may face when seeking legal advice.
Our family law team has extensive experience advising clients on all aspects of civil partnerships and same-sex relationships, from relationship formation through to dissolution. Additionally, our Wills and Probate team can help you protect your partner and family through carefully drafted Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, ensuring your wishes are respected and your loved ones are provided for.
We understand that every family is unique, and we’re committed to providing compassionate, expert legal guidance tailored to your circumstances.
Get In Touch
Claire Higham is an Associate Solicitor in the Family team. Claire handles a wide-ranging caseload, including complex and sensitive children disputes as well as high-value financial matters.
Claire is deeply committed to promoting inclusivity and accessibility within the legal profession. She is a recommended contact for the LGBT Divorce Forum and she also serves as a Neurodiversity Champion, accredited by the National Autistic Society, advocating for greater awareness and support for neurodivergent individuals.
If you have questions about civil partnerships, relationship breakdown, estate planning, or any aspect of family law, our team is here to help. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling 03301 624 681 or filling out our online contact form.
