Matt Lucas, of Little Britain fame, separated from his civil partner, Kevin McGee, only 18 months after “marrying” him in a high profile civil partnership ceremony.
The couple met in a nightclub in 2002 and became engaged in 2006 having decided to enter into a civil partnership after laws permitting same sex unions came into force in December 2005. The ceremony itself was followed by an extravagant pantomime-themed event at which the two grooms and array of celebrity guests wore fancy dress.
The couple shared a home in North-West London worth £1.5 million and it is estimated that Lucas has a personal fortune of between £10 and £20 million. Speculation is therefore now rife as to the financial implications of the dissolution given that it is not believed that they entered into a pre-civil partnership agreement which could have protected Lucas’ burgeoning wealth.
It is intended that the dissolution of a civil partnership should be treated the same as a divorce, in which case the starting point for negotiations will be an equal split of all the assets. That said, if the matter does go before a Judge, he or she will also consider what is reasonable in the circumstances given the difference in the parties respective contributions prior to and during their relationship. There may well be an issue as to whether McGee, who works in television, is entitled to maintenance payments given that he is now used to a much higher standard of living than he would be able to afford on his salary.
It certainly appears that Lucas is taking matters seriously having now employed Mishcon de Reya, the same law firm that were instructed by the Princess of Wales during her divorce from Prince Charles and more recently, Heather Mills in her battle with Sir Paul McCartney.
Whilst Lucas and McGee have stated that they wish their split to resolve itself amicably and we of course hope that this is possible, if it is not, many family lawyers will welcome the guidance that will be provided by the judiciary as to how such cases should be dealt with.
For more information or advice on civil partnerships, please contact
Peter Lowe
