Roundup of family law resources for LGBTQ+ couples
Our expert family law team have compiled helpful resources that may be particularly useful to the LGBTQ+ community
Cohabitation and common law marriage
Watch this video where Chris Longbottom, head of our family law team, dispels the myth of a ‘common law’ marriage and discusses the rights cohabiting partners have on separation. He explains how a well-drafted cohabitation agreement can benefit both parties.
For more information on this topic see our handy guide on the cohabitation rights of common law partners. The article looks at common law marriage, the rights of cohabiting couples and current and future cohabitation law.
Donor Conception
When considering donor conception, you may choose to conceive with a known or unknown donor.
If you’re thinking about conceiving with an unknown donor, this could be done through a licensed UK Fertility clinic. By taking this route you will likely be asked to sign appropriate treatment forms and you (and your spouse/partner) will have full legal responsibility for your child.
If you are conceiving with a known donor, it is crucial that both parties understand exactly what you and the other person expect from the arrangement. This includes whether or not the donor will be the child’s legal parent. Many factors affect who the legal parents of the child are in the eyes of the law. Some people are automatically recognised as the legal parents and others need to acquire status. We advise seeking legal advice prior to conception.
Fertility and surrogacy
Associate Emily Finn from our family law team recently looked at a case that has clarified the law surrounding the granting of parental orders following a private and informal at home surrogacy arrangement. Read more about the case here
Explore key questions to consider when moving forwards with fertility treatment to enable you to consider all options, make informed decisions and ensure that treatment proceeds as smoothly as possible.
Legal arrangements for LGBTQ+ couples
Whether you are soon to be married or enter a civil partnership or have tied the knot already, a pre- or post-nuptial agreement could be a sensible way to protect your pre-marital assets, including your business interests, and can simplify negotiations if you do, sadly, decide later to separate, dissolve the civil partnership or divorce
Read our FAQ guide on pre- or post-nuptial agreements to learn more.
Speak to an expert
To speak to a member of our team about any of the issues mentioned in this article, please request a consultation.
Posted:
