Appeal over civil partnership settlement

A former couple are awaiting the outcome of what is thought to be the first legal battle over the division of assets following the break-up of a civil partnership. West End star Don Gallagher, 54, and City analyst Peter Lawrence, 47, co-habited for 11 years before entering into a civil partnership, which ended after just seven months. A family judge divided up the partnership’s assets of more than £4m, but Mr Lawrence is claiming the decision to award his former partner 42% of the assets is unfair. The equity analyst for JP Morgan earns £390,000 a year, and has taken the case against the ruling in favour of the former Priscilla Queen of the Desert star to the Appeals Court. Tom Bishop QC, appearing for Mr Gallagher, said the family judge had acted correctly and fairly by ordering the 42/58 split and claimed it would be “inconceivable” that the family courts would approve the kind of settlement Mr Lawrence was seeking in the context of a heterosexual marriage of a similar duration. The appeal judges reserved their judgment and will announce the decision at a later date. Our Family and Matrimonial team helps clients across West London and Bucks, and can advise on dissolving civil partnerships. For advice, contact a member of the team: call us on 01494 790000 or email familylaw@ibblaw.co.uk.