The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 received Royal Assent on 17 July 2013 and the majority of the provisions were brought into force on 31 March 2014.
The Act makes marriage of same sex couples possible in England and Wales. Same sex couples are able to marry, either in a civil ceremony or on religious premises, where the religious organisation concerned provides their agreement.
The Act gives the Courts of England and Wales jurisdiction to deal with any divorce, annulment of a marriage or judicial separation of a married same sex couple, provided the statutory criteria is met.
The Act does not remove the availability of civil partnerships for same sex couples but provisions regarding the conversion of civil partnerships to marriage are expected to come into force in Autumn 1014.
For more information or advice, please contact a member of our Family Team. We offer a free no obligation 30 minute initial appointment. Our solicitors are members of Resolution and are trained to provide clear and cost effective advice.
Nicholas Dennis
Alexandra Funnell
Guy Brown
Carolyn Richards
Please note the above is for information purposes only and is intended to be a short summary. It should not be treated as a comprehensive guide and should not be acted on without qualified legal advice.
