In the context of society at large, the law continues to be a relatively conservative entity that is not always entirely at ease with the more recently recognised family set up. Most lawyers would rarely encounter same-sex partners seeking a divorce, not least because the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 only came into force in March 2014. In view of the fact that same-sex couples have to be married for one year before they can seek a divorce, having a divorce in a same-sex marriage has only been possible in England and Wales for just over two years, whereas there is over 40 years of case law that applies for opposite-sex couples. For same-sex couples each set of circumstances is new, so it is important to find a lawyer with whom you can be fully at ease.
One of the supporting facts for a divorce is adultery. However, in the eyes of the law, it is only possible to commit adultery with someone of the opposite sex; so a same-sex spouse cannot commit adultery with someone of the same sex. Some might feel that a betrayal of that nature ought to have similar consequences, regardless of whether the person was of the opposite sex or not.
The powers of the court in making financial orders are identical in same-sex marriages as they are in opposite-sex marriages, but the way in which they are applied can differ. The focus continues to be on achieving fairness, but not necessarily to treat same-sex couples identically to opposite-sex couples. A party’s gender can affect their earning capacity and the court’s assessment of their needs. Similarly, the gender dynamic in an opposite-sex couple’s relationship may prioritise the husband’s career, where the wife bears the children. The court then needs to address the gender-related economic disadvantage to her that can occur.
In the past it may well have been uncommon for male same-sex couples to bring up children together, and more common for female couples to have children from previous relationships, but this is no longer the case and doesn’t merit different expectations or treatment.
For further information
To find out more about how Anthony Collins Solicitors can support you through a same-sex divorce or civil partnership dissolution and marriage and relationship challenges, please contact Elizabeth Wyatt. Similarly, opposite-sex couples face similar challenges when getting divorced; they are outlined here.
Recent data reports that the financial cost of clinical negligence claims runs to a total of £83bn, but what is the real cost of clinical negligence?
Would you know how to manage an escalating social media storm? Are you confident in your plans and policies for responding to, and managing, a prominent ‘scandal’ in your charity?
The Civil Partnership (Opposite-Sex Couples) Regulations 2019 were made on 5 November 2019 and came into force on 2 December 2019.
HMRC’s approach to underpayment of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) is getting tougher and shows no sign of abating.
HMRC’s approach to underpayment of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) is getting tougher and shows no sign of abating.
Now 2020 is here and we have welcomed in the new decade, it’s time to welcome in changes regards the contents of employee’s statement of particulars.
In December 2019, the Care Quality Commission brought its first prosecution against a local authority
The CIL was introduced under the Planning Act 2008 and the CIL Regulations 2010, which came into force in April 2010. CIL is a non-negotiable tax charged by local authorities on new developments.
The Court of Appeal’s recent decision is likely to be unwelcome news for any cash-strapped councils seeking to fund the costs of taxi enforcement through licence fees.
It is important that trustees are aware of the law relating to people who are transgender and those who identify as non-binary so that they can ensure compliance.
To receive invitations to our events, as well as information and articles on legal issues and sector developments that are of interest to you, please sign up to Newsroom.