Court of Appeal cuts civil partnership 'divorce' settlement

The Court of Appeal has ruled that the 'divorce' settlement paid to a gay man after the break up of his civil partnership should be reduced by over £200,000, reports the Independent.

Don Gallagher, an actor, and Peter Lawrence, an equity analyst, had lived together since 1997, and entered into a civil partnership in 2007. Their relationship broke down seven months later.

The couple had joint assets worth around £4 million, including a London flat that Mr Lawrence had bought before the couple met. The majority of their income had come from Mr Lawrence, while Mr Gallagher had taken more of a 'home making' role along with continuing his acting career.

After the couple split up, the court awarded Mr Gallagher a £1.7 million share of the assets in recognition of his contribution to the relationship, however Mr Lawrence argued that this was too large a share. The Court of Appeal upheld his appeal, and ruled that the settlement should be reduced.