Your Frequently Asked Questions...
Q - What is a Civil Partnership?A - Civil Partnership is a legally recognised relationship that gives gay and lesbian couples the same legal rights and benefits as heterosexual married couples. A civil partnership can be celebrated just like a registry office wedding.
Q - Are Civil Partnerships legal?
A - Following the Civil Partnership Act, which came into effect on 5th December 2005, is it legal to enter into a Civil Partnership in the United Kingdom. The Act is applicable in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Q - How do we register our partnership?
A - Civil Partnerships can be registered at any premises licensed to carry out registrations, not just registry offices. More and more venues are registering to host Civil Partnership ceremonies so a good starting point is the local council or registrar in the area you wish to get married in. As before, more information can be found at www.gro.gov.uk.
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Q - How much will a Civil Partnership Cost?
A - There are statutory fees to pay to a registrar who will conduct your Civil Partnership. These vary and it is advisable to contact the local council or registry office in the are that you wish to get married in. More information can be found at www.gro.gov.uk.
Q - Can we have our Civil Partnership anywhere in the UK?
A - Technically yes, as long as the venue is licensed, however you will also have to let your own local authority know that you intend to register your partnership – they will need to know where and when you are going to register.
Q - What are the benefits of entering into a Civil Partnership?
A - Same sex couples who commit to a Civil Partnership gain a number of legal rights. These include pensions rights, equal treatment for tax purposes including inheritance tax, and recognition for immigration purposes.
By entering into a Civil Partnership you will also become responsible for any children from previous relationships. Ivil Partners will also be able to access survivor pensions in public serviced schemes and contracted out schemes.
For information on tax and civil partnerships take a look at the Inland Revenue site. For information on income-related benefits visit the Job Centre Plus web site.
Q - What happens if my partner dies?
A - As with heterosexual couples, if you or your partner die after you have registered your relationship, the surviving partner automatically inherits their partners estate if there is no Will. You will have the right to register the dead as the next of kin and be eligible for bereavement benefits. You will be recognised under inheritance tax rules.
You will have a right to a survivors pension and be able to claim compensation for fatal accidents or criminal injuries.
A - There are statutory fees to pay to a registrar who will conduct your Civil Partnership. These vary and it is advisable to contact the local council or registry office in the are that you wish to get married in. More information can be found at www.gro.gov.uk.
Q - Can we have our Civil Partnership anywhere in the UK?
A - Technically yes, as long as the venue is licensed, however you will also have to let your own local authority know that you intend to register your partnership – they will need to know where and when you are going to register.
Q - What are the benefits of entering into a Civil Partnership?
A - Same sex couples who commit to a Civil Partnership gain a number of legal rights. These include pensions rights, equal treatment for tax purposes including inheritance tax, and recognition for immigration purposes.
By entering into a Civil Partnership you will also become responsible for any children from previous relationships. Ivil Partners will also be able to access survivor pensions in public serviced schemes and contracted out schemes.
For information on tax and civil partnerships take a look at the Inland Revenue site. For information on income-related benefits visit the Job Centre Plus web site.
Q - What happens if my partner dies?
A - As with heterosexual couples, if you or your partner die after you have registered your relationship, the surviving partner automatically inherits their partners estate if there is no Will. You will have the right to register the dead as the next of kin and be eligible for bereavement benefits. You will be recognised under inheritance tax rules.
You will have a right to a survivors pension and be able to claim compensation for fatal accidents or criminal injuries.