Since December 2005 it has been possible for same sex couples to enter into a Civil Partnership. The rights and responsibilities of civil partners are similar to those of a married couple, as are the ways of resolving matters if the relationship breaks down.
In order to end a Civil Partnership, one partner has to apply for dissolution of the Partnership in a process which is similar to that of divorce.
Civil partners have financial claims against each other which arise from entering into the civil partnership. It is important that these claims are resolved and brought to an end in the process of dissolving the Civil Partnership. The procedures for resolving financial disputes and the claims which civil partners have are similar to those between husband and wife.