One of the problems facing same-sex couples is the difficulties they face in gaining joint access to services that heterosexuals take for granted.

In many places it can be near impossible to be named on your partner’s health insurance or to become the beneficiary of a life insurance policy. 

Financial services can be even more tricky. For same-sex couples, particularly those not in a civil partnership, navigating the already treacherous waters of loans and finance can be immensely difficult.

One couple we spoke to was all too aware of the difficulties in securing a mortgage. Paul Atwol and Michael Brice met in 2002 at Cleethorpes. Paul was a professional dancer, while Michael worked in retail management.

The two shared a love of travelling, visiting Cuba, Mexico and other exotic destinations. They honeymooned in Cozumel following their civil partnership this year.

In 2005 they became foster carers mostly, as they described it, to become a full family unit. They said they became carers “to give a child the chance to see love, support & mainly security & to also have lots of fun, although being a foster carer at times can be challenging, but it still has its massive rewards.”

The pair eventually joined foster specialists Foster Care Associates. At the time the two had been living in a succession of rented houses and were attempting, without too much success, to move into a home of their own.

FCA turned the pair on to a financial outfit called Favourites Finance. In May 2007 they contacted the company in hopes they could help the couple along the road to owning their own home. They were living in a rented accommodation with foster children at the time, and hoped to purchase the home they were renting to provide stability for the family.

With the help of Favourites their offer was accepted and their mortgage application completed.  Despite a tight deadline on payment, the couple was able to purchase the home and move in by June. They credited their success to Favourites Finance, who they said liased with them and the solicitor and estate agent throughout every step of the process.

On June 29th, 2007 the couple became proud owners of their first real home. Despite the often hostile or indifferent attitude that banks often adopt towards same-sex couples, they were able to successfully achieve one of their life goals with the help of a supportive assistant in Favourites Finance.

Do you want to join Pinke's team of paid writers? We're looking for writers all over the world to write about the gay issues that matter all over the globe. We're particularly looking for travel writers and writers in Asia/Africa/the Middle East, but we'll consider anyone with great writing skills and an interest in the subject. Email Pinke editor Robert Knox with a writing sample for more information.