Same sex couples are now in a position to make a long term commitment to each other and gain legal recognition of their relationship by forming a civil partnership as per the Civil Partnership Act. The registration procedure is similar to that of a civil wedding and provides rights and responsibilities similar to that of married heterosexual couples.
Who is entitled to form a civil partnership?
- To form a civil partnership both individuals need to be of the same sex and 16 or older. If you are aged 16 or 17 in England, Wales or Northern Ireland you will need the consent of your parents or guardians.
- You must not be closely related and not already in a civil partnership or heterosexual marriage.
What do I need to do?
To start the process you and your partner will both need to give notice of intention to form a civil partnership at your local registry office. If you and your partner live in different areas you will both have to register your notice of intention in each area. If you live in England or Wales, you will be required to have lived in the country for seven years prior to submitting your notice of intention. There will be a fifteen day waiting period once you have given your notice before registration can take place to allow for any valid objections to be lodged.
- After 15 days you have 12 months from the date of notice to register your civil partnership
- All local authorities are required to provide a venue for your civil partnership.
- You will not be able to register a civil partnership in any building that is mainly used for religious purposes. You may wish to arrange a religious ceremony or a blessing but this must be entirely separate from your civil partnership registration.
- Once you and your partner have signed the civil partnership document in front of two witnesses and the registrar a civil partnership is formed.
- If you wish one or both of you can change your name and the civil partnership certificate will be accepted as evidence of change of name in the same way as a heterosexual marriage certificate.
- If you register a civil partnership overseas under a recognised scheme that meets the requirements of the Civil Partnership Act you will be automatically treated as civil partners
- Civil partners have the same rights as heterosexual couples including a wide range of legal matters such as tax, benefits, pensions, right to protection against domestic violence and if your partner dies.
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