civil partnerships
what is a civil partnership and is it the
same as marriage?
A civil partnership will be a legal relationship between
two people of the same sex and give you the status of 'legal
partner'. They will come into force as from 5th December 2005,
which is the earliest date you will be able to apply to your
local registrar to give notice of your intention to form a
civil partnership, and the first partnerships will be formed
on 21st December 2005. However, it may be possible to register
a provisional intent to form a partnership before 5th December
2005.
A civil partnership is a purely civil procedure and will not
be able to take place in a religious building. Any venue which
is currently licensed for civil marriages will be able to
host civil partnership ceremonies. Like a civil wedding, you
will be entitled to form your partnership between the hours
of 8am and 6pm, and you will be able to discuss with the registrar
beforehand if you wish to include readings or add your own
vows in addition to the standard legal ceremony. The partnership
will become legal upon the signing of the civil partnership
document in the presence of your two witnesses
and the registrar.
Civil partners will benefit from comparable legal rights and
responsibilites to opposite sex married couples in a range
of areas, such as intestacy rules, child support, life assurance,
immigration and pensions.
The aim of the Act is to provide same sex couples with the
same rights as opposite sex couples, but it is a completely
separate legal entity to marriage.
will we be able to take each
others' names?
Yes, you will - financial institutions, Government
agencies and other companies will be able to take your civil
partnership certificate as legal evidence for the changing
of your surname. Either party will be able to change their
surname to the other, or hyphenate or double-barrel if they
wish.
who can apply to form a civil
partnership?
You will need to be a same sex couple, not already
in an opposite sex marriage or a civil partnership, and be
age 16 or older, although if you are under 18 you will need
the written consent of your parents or legal guardians. (This
consent is not required in Scotland). You must also not be
in a prohibited relationship with each other (ie, related
to each other).
how do I go about finding
a venue and booking the partnership ceremony?
We can help you with all your arrangements, from finding the
right venue for you, helping you contact the registrar in
your area, booking all your suppliers and giving you lots
of inspiration and advice on how to make it a day to remember
for the rest of your lives. You may wish us to arrange a humanist
ceremony in addition to the partnership; this can take place
outside if you wish, and a celebrant will help you design
a moving, truly personal ceremony
Visit our civil partnership section for more information
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