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LGBTQ+

At Birkett Long we have one of the largest teams of family law solicitors in Essex. The legal experts in our team practice exclusively in the field of family law. 

LGBTQ+ couples and families have many of the same legal issues to deal with as heterosexual couples, but there are various matters unique to same-sex relationships. Getting legal advice from solicitors with experience of dealing with LGBTQ+ family law ensures you will receive the best support for your family and that nothing is overlooked.

The sooner you contact a solicitor for help with your family legal issues, the better chance there is that those issues can be resolved quickly and cost effectively. Our specialist LGBTQ+ family law solicitors can advise you on the full range of legal issues affecting your family, guiding you every step of the way from initial consultation through to resolution.

Get in touch with our expert LGBTQ+ family law solicitors

The sooner you contact a solicitor for help with your family legal issues, the better chance there is that those issues can be resolved quickly and cost effectively. Our specialist LGBTQ+ family law solicitors can advise you on the full range of legal issues affecting your family, guiding you every step of the way from initial consultation through to resolution.

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LGBTQ+ FAQs

Family law for same-sex couples changed dramatically in 2013 when the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill was granted royal assent making same sex marriage legal.

What happens when same sex relationships break up?

Do you know how you go about ending the relationship and are there different processes involved in ending a civil partnership and ending a same-sex marriage?

What things should I take into consideration when filing for a divorce?

Firstly consider whether there is a possibility of a reconciliation, and if so seek professional guidance from organisations such as Relate. If your civil partnership (or marriage) has irretrievably broken down, seek legal advice as to financial entitlement, and the processes open to you and your partner to reach an amicable and cost effective settlement. Talk to one of your specialist divorce and separation solicitors who are members of Resolution.

What things will be taken into consideration when sharing out any assets?

The legal criteria include, firstly the welfare of children of the family; the length of the marriage/civil partnership, age of the parties; their income and future earning capacity; housing needs; particular capital contributions and any other significant circumstances. Both parties must make full and up to date disclosure of their financial assets to enable solicitors to advise and negotiate a settlement that would be approved by the Court.

To ensure an amicable relationship and good communication (particularly where there are children) financial settlement upon dissolution of Civil Partnership or divorce in marriage should be resolved by co-operative means. This may be through the collaborative process, whereby both parties meet with their solicitors to reach fair settlement without conflict or through the mediation process with a neutral mediator.

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