Civil partnership registration
The Civil Partnership Registration Act came into effect on 5th December 2005. It allowed the first Civil Partnership registrations to take place on 21st December 2005. The Act affords same-sex couples many of the benefits previously available only to married couples.
The Civil Partnership Registration Act enables a completely new legal relationship, exclusively for same-sex couples, distinct from marriage.
The government seeks to give civil partners parity of treatment with spouses, as far as possible, in the rights and responsibilities that flow from registering a Civil Partnership.
How am I able to register a Civil Partnership?
You and your partner will each need to give notice of your intention to register a civil partnership. This notice must be given at the Register Office in the registration district in which you live, or the registration district in which you have resided for the previous seven days.
When you give notice you will be asked to state where you wish the registration of your partnership to take place. These details must be agreed in advance with the Local Authority where the registration is to take place, or with the venue you intend to use.
Where will I be able to form a Civil Partnership?
The range of places to register a partnership are broadly similar to those available for civil marriages. Although you must give notice at your local Register Office you will be able to register your partnership at any Register Office or approved venue in England or Wales.
Every Local Authority is required to provide a facility for the registration of Civil Partnerships, although not all authorities will necessarily offer a ceremony to enhance this important occasion.
Apart from the Register Office itself, there are a range of different venues. In Liverpool, any premises currently approved for civil marriages are also approved for Civil Partnership registration.
What will it mean?
Registration of a Civil Partnership is for adult same-sex couples. They must not be in an existing registered partnership relationship, and must not be married or closely related. Gay and lesbian couples will sign an official document at a Register Office, or at an approved venue, in front of a Registrar and two witnesses. Couples may also opt for a ceremony with their registration.
Registered couples will have a legal status as 'Registered Civil Partners' and are protected by a number of rights.
What are these rights?
- partners are assessed jointly for income-related benefits
- the right to joint state pension benefits including the right to a survivor pension
- the right to gain parental responsibility for each others children
- civil partnership status is recognised for immigration purposes
- partners are exempt from testifying against each other in court
- when one partner dies the other has the right to register the death
- partners are eligible for bereavement benefits and compensation for fatal accidents or criminal injuries
- surviving partners are recognised under inheritance and intestacy rules and will have tenancy succession rights
Is there such a thing as Gay Divorce?
There is a process of dissolution, similar to a divorce. This is a court-based process where the civil partner applying for the dissolution must show that there has been an irretrievable breakdown in the relationship.
A dissolution involves fair arrangements for property division, financial relief, residence arrangements and appropriate contact with children.
Contact us
For more information on Civil Partnerships please make an appointment to see the Liverpool Partnerships Register Manager or visit www.womenandequalityunit.gov.uk/civilpartnership.htm
The Liverpool Partnerships Register Manager is available by:
Post
The Liverpool Partnerships Register Manager,
Liverpool Register Office,
The Cotton Exchange,
Old Hall Street,
Liverpool
L3 9UF
Telephone
0151 233 4978