What is Civil Partnership?
A civil partnership, also known as a civil union, is a legally recognized bond between two individuals. This formal commitment allows individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, to register their relationship under UK law.
Legal Rights and Benefits
Civil partnerships grant numerous legal rights and benefits similar to those enjoyed by married couples, particularly in areas such as taxes and social welfare.
Historical Context
- Civil Partnership Act 2004: This act marked a significant milestone by granting legal recognition to same-sex couples.
- Civil Partnerships, Marriages, and Deaths (Registration etc) Act Bill: Introduced on July 19, 2017, this bill allowed opposite-sex couples to enter into civil partnerships. It received Royal Assent on March 26, 2019, and came into effect on May 26, 2019. Section 2 mandated amendments to the Civil Partnership Act 2004 by December 31, 2019, enabling opposite-sex couples to formalize civil partnerships.
Formalizing a Civil Partnership
To formalize their commitment, the couple must sign a ‘civil partnership document’ in the presence of two witnesses and a registrar, who oversees the legal proceedings.
Eligibility for Civil Partnership
Before initiating the civil partnership process, ensure compliance with the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: Individuals must be at least 16 years old. Those aged between 16 and 18 require parental consent, except for citizens of Scotland.
- Marital Status: Neither partner should currently be in a civil partnership or married.
- Residence: Both partners must have resided in the same area in England or Wales for at least seven days.
- Relation: Individuals linked through blood relations may encounter challenges in their registration process.
Registering for Civil Partnership
The registration process involves three fundamental steps:
- Planning the Ceremony: Choose the venue for the civil partnership ceremony before ‘giving notice’ at the local register office. Finalize the ceremony’s details within 12 months of ‘giving notice.’
- Giving Notice: Formally declare the intention to enter into a civil partnership by signing legal documents at a local register office. Notice must be served at least 29 days before the scheduled ceremony.
- Registering: Register the civil partnership at any approved venue or register office. Special provisions apply if either partner is housebound or seriously ill.
Cost of Registering a Civil Partnership
The financial implications of civil partnership registration include:
- Registration Fee: Each partner incurs a registration fee of £35.
- Additional Fees: Partners from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, requiring a visa to reside in the UK, and lacking specific visitor or family visas, are subject to a registration fee of £47 per person.
Upon successful registration, partners receive a Civil Partnership Certificate, serving as tangible evidence of their legal union.
Disclaimer
The information above is not legal advice, and any reference to legal solutions or information regarding UK Immigration is sourced from Gov.uk (the official UK immigration website). ImmigrationHUB.co.uk does not provide legal advice or counsel. Any legal matters are dealt with directly by our partnered firms, which are registered by the governing societies in their area of operations.
