Phone: 01698 355525Email: ku.oc.rehgallagssen%40wahsiw 

Phone: 01698 355525Email: ku.oc.rehgallagssen%40wahsiw 

Civil Partnerships & Cohabitation Lawyers


Civil Partnerships & Cohabitation Lawyers 

Understanding your legal rights and responsibilities in a civil partnership or cohabitation arrangement is essential for protecting your interests.
At Ness Gallagher Solicitors, based in Lanarkshire, Scotland, we specialise in family law and provide expert advice on all aspects of civil partnerships and cohabitation. Whether you’re entering into a new relationship or dealing with its breakdown, our experienced team is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your situation and secure the legal guidance you need. 

Civil Partnerships in Scotland 

A civil partnership is a legally recognised relationship between two people. It provides similar rights and responsibilities to marriage, including:
· Property rights· Inheritance rights· Pension entitlements· Rights to financial support
Civil partnerships are available to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples in Scotland. If you’re considering entering into a civil partnership, our solicitors can guide you through the legal process and explain your rights.
If a civil partnership ends, it must be formally dissolved through the court. This process is similar to divorce and involves resolving issues such as financial settlements and property division. Our family law team will provide compassionate yet professional support during this time, ensuring your interests are protected. 

Cohabitation Rights in Scotland 

Cohabitation refers to couples who live together without being married or in a civil partnership. While cohabiting couples do not have the same legal rights as those who are married or in a civil partnership, Scottish law does provide some protections.

Under the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006, cohabiting couples may have rights relating to:

· Financial contributions made during the relationship
· Division of shared property
· Claims for financial provision if the relationship ends

It’s important to note that these rights are limited compared to those of married couples or civil partners. For example, cohabiting partners do not have automatic inheritance rights unless specified in a will. There is also a strict one year time limit to either settle a financial claim against your former partner or raise a Court action. If you do not do so, you are unable to pursue your claim any further. Our solicitors can help you understand your rights and take steps to protect your interests, such as drafting a Cohabitation Agreement. 

Cohabitation Agreements 

A Cohabitation Agreement is a legal document that sets out each partner’s financial responsibilities and what will happen if the relationship ends. It can cover:

· Ownership of property and assets
· Responsibility for debts
· Financial arrangements during the relationship
· Division of assets if the relationship breaks down

Having an agreement in place provides clarity and reduces the risk of disputes. Our solicitors will work with you to draft an agreement tailored to your needs and ensure it complies with Scottish law. 

How We Can Help 

At Ness Gallagher Solicitors, we offer expert advice on all aspects of civil partnerships and cohabitation under Scottish law. Whether you’re entering into a new relationship or dealing with its breakdown, we can assist with:

· Registering a civil partnership
· Dissolving a civil partnership
· Drafting Cohabitation Agreements
· Resolving disputes over property or finances

Our experienced family law team is dedicated to achieving positive outcomes for our clients while providing compassionate support throughout the process. 

Contact Ness Gallagher 

If children are involved, their welfare is the court’s primary concern. Decisions about residence (who the child lives with) and contact (time spent with the other parent) must focus on the child’s best interests. We understand how important these matters are to you. Our team will help you reach amicable agreements or advocate for you in court to achieve suitable care arrangements for your family. Contact us today by completing our online enquiry form.

Don't take our word for it, find out what our clients have to say...

Testimonials

“Ness Gallagher have represented McGarry Flooring & Contracts Ltd for all our legal requirements for over twenty years.We have always been afforded outstanding service with the whole team working diligently and discreetly to advise and guide us through the many challenges we meet in business today”

Liam McGarry - McGarry Flooring

Illustration

"Ness Gallagher provide a wide range of legal services and I am always confident in their advice."

Sherry Funeral Directors - Motherwell

Illustration

"We have been dealing with Ness Gallagher for over 20 years and have always found them pleasant to deal with, offering professional advice on all legal matters in a prompt and efficient manner."

Toolstop - Bothwell

Illustration

"Two generations of our family have relied on Ness Gallagher providing legal assistance for over 40 years.Their guidance and expertise in diverse areas such as the preparation of wills, winding up of estates, and buying and selling property has been invaluable. In all cases the entire process is handled in a friendly, professional manner with a welcome personal touch. We would have no hesitation whatsoever in highly recommending their services."

The Doran and Mullen families, Wishaw

Illustration

Friendly Family Law Solicitors in Scotland

At Ness Gallagher, we are here to provide practical and professional advice, tailored to your family’s situation. You can be confident that we will listen to your needs carefully and help you obtain the desired result.


95 Stewarton Street,Wishaw,Lanarkshire,ML2 8AGPhone: 01698 355525Email: ku.oc.rehgallagssen%40wahsiw

© Ness Gallagher Solicitors 2025

Privacy Policy | Terms of use

All Rights Reserved


95 Stewarton Street,Wishaw,Lanarkshire,ML2 8AGPhone: 01698 355525Email: ku.oc.rehgallagssen%40wahsiw

© Ness Gallagher Solicitors 2025

Privacy Policy | Terms of use

All Rights Reserved