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• How to register a civil partnership

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• Community and living
• Births, deaths and marriages

• Civil Partnerships

How to register a civil partnership

The Civil Partnership Bill came into effect on 5 December 2005. It gives partners in same sex relationships the opportunity to have their relationship recognised in law. The following information will guide you through what you must do before a civil partnership may take place.

Before you can enter into a civil partnership you must give your notice of intention.

• Each person has to give their own notice of intention to the Civil Partnership Registrar at the register office for the district in which they reside. 
• If both parties live at the same address, both notices must be given at the office for their district.
• Both parties must have resided in the district for at least 7 whole days immediately prior to the giving of the notice of intention to form a civil partnership.
• The notices must be given in person. No other person can give it on his or her behalf.

Once the notice has been taken you will have to wait 15 clear days before the formation can take place.  The notice lasts for 12 months, so once notice is given, you have up to 12 months to register your civil partnership before the notice expires.

Giving your notice of intention

• Coventry Register Office operates an appointment system. Please make sure you allow plenty of time before the date you would like your civil partnership to take place.
•  When you attend to give your notice(s) you will need to bring the following documents.
  • Current, valid passport OR
  • If you were born before 1/1/1983, a birth certificate.
  • If you were born on or after 1/1/1983 you will need a full birth certificate confirming your parents names and also your mother's passport or birth certificate.
  • Identification to confirm your current names and addresses e.g. utility bill, bank statement or driving licence
  • Proof of ending of any former marriage or civil partnership e.g. decree absolute, death certificate or dissolution of civil partnership.
  • Any name change documents – Deed Poll, Name Change Deeds or Statutory Declarations
  • Consent form (obtainable from Register Office), required where either party is between 16 and 18 years old
• All of the above documents MUST be originals – photocopies will not be accepted.
• There is currently a fee of £30 per person to give your Notice of Intention, which can be paid by cash, debit/credit card or cheque if supported by a bankcard.  Your notice will not be taken without this payment.

It is your responsibility to ensure that all the above legal preliminaries are completed and to produce all of the necessary documents. Failure to produce them may mean that the notice cannot be taken and further paperwork cannot be issued.

If you have any questions regarding this process or need any further information, please contact us by telephone, in person or by e-mail. 

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