Civil Partnership Act

The Civil Partnership Act came into force on 5^th December 2005 and allows same-sex couples to have their relationships legally recognised.

 

The status demonstrates an important commitment and confers similar rights and responsibilities as civil marriage across a wide range of legal matters.

 

To register a civil partnership each partner must first give notice of intent to the local registration authority.  Following a statutory period of 15 clear days a couple then sign a document in the presence of a registrar and two witnesses.

 

This is the formal procedure that marks the formation of the partnership.

 

The cost of giving notice is £30 for each person.  Formation of the Partnership without a ceremony is £40.  Formation of the Partnership with a ceremony can take place at Stourbridge or Dudley Register Office or any Approved Premises in the borough. Ceremonies must be performed between 8 am and 6 pm.

 

While same-sex overseas relationships will automatically be treated as civil partnerships in the UK, notice to form a partnership with someone subject to immigration control will need to be given at a specially designated Register Office.  Those subject to immigration control wishing to register a civil partnership will be required to demonstrate that they have:

In order to qualify for a certificate of approval applicants will normally need to have been granted over six months leave in the United Kingdom and have at least three months of that leave remaining. 

 

 

Civil partners will enjoy most of the same state pension rights as husbands and wives.  Entitlement will further extend to schemes that currently pay survivor benefits to widows and widowers.

 

Equal rights for civil partners will also extend into areas such as childcare and maintenance, property inheritance and life assurance.

 

In the event of the breakdown of a relationship, the dissolution of a civil partnership can be sought through due legal process.  In such circumstances, the court will have the power to deal with any resulting matters of property division or maintenance.

 

For further details contact Dudley Registration and Celebratory Service 

 

A new booklet is being circulated through Citizens Advise Bureaux, libraries and register offices, and can be downloaded from the Women and Equality Unit website.