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• Civil Partnerships

Civil Partnerships

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 key elements of the Civil Partnership Bill are as follows:

• Both partners must have resided in England or Wales for at least seven days and have given notice in the area where they live prior to the formation of their civil partnership.
• The couple must be of the same sex, over 18 (or provide evidence of consent if over 16), not related to each other within the prohibited degrees of relationship and not in an existing marriage or civil partnership in order to enter into a civil partnership.
• It is necessary to give notice of intention to register a civil partnership. Every local authority is required to provide a facility for the giving this notice - and for the formation of a civil partnership.
• Once notice of intention to register has been given there must be a 15 day waiting period before the formation can take place.
• It is possible to form a civil partnership in all premises where it is possible to have a civil marriage i.e. hotels and other venues if they have been licensed by the local authority.
• The civil partnership will be formed once the couple have signed in the presence of a registration officer and two witnesses.
• There is no requirement for a ceremony as part of the legal process of forming a civil partnership, however in Coventry we will be delighted to offer a Civil Partnership ceremony - if required.
• It is possible for a ceremony to legally take place between 8am and 6pm, individual registration districts have their own arrangements within these hours.
• There are procedures in place to reduce the 15 day waiting period (where there are compelling reasons to do so), for a formation to take place at the residence of someone who is housebound, detained or seriously ill and not expected to recover.  

How can I find out more?

You can find more information on the Women and Equality website. This has a range of useful information including immigration laws and tax and benefits and the rights and responsibilities of civil partners.

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