Civil Partnership: Your Legal Guide
17 minute read
Date Published - October 7th 2024
17 minute read
Date Published - October 7th 2024
Civil partnerships offer couples a recognised legal status, allowing them to enjoy many of the same rights as married couples. Whether you're entering into a civil partnership or simply considering your options, understanding the legal implications is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about civil partnerships, from how they differ from marriage to the benefits they provide and the legal steps involved.
At GloverPriest, we specialise in making complex legal matters clear and accessible. We believe in offering you practical advice that puts your needs at the heart of every decision.
If you have any questions or are seeking legal advice about civil partnerships or dissolution, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our experienced Family Law Solicitors today. Complete our enquiry form and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
A civil partnership allows couples to have their relationship legally recognised, giving them the same rights and responsibilities as marriage. Originally introduced by the Labour government in 2004 and officially coming into force in December 2005, the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (CPA 2004) was designed for same-sex couples who didn’t want to get married. Civil partnerships gave them similar legal protections like inheritance rights, tax breaks, and financial security if things didn’t work out.
When same-sex marriage became legal in 2013, thanks to the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act, same-sex couples suddenly had more choice. But, civil partnerships didn’t disappear. Many people still prefer them as they offer the same legal benefits as marriage, without some of the traditions that come with tying the knot.
In 2019, the Civil Partnership (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations were introduced, allowing opposite-sex couples to enter into a civil partnership too. So now, everyone has the option to make their relationship official without having to get married in the more traditional, religious sense. Whether it’s for personal, cultural, or religious reasons, a civil partnership gives couples another way to protect their rights and their future together.
On the surface, civil partnerships and marriages are very similar - they both give you legal recognition and protection for your relationship.
Both civil partnerships and marriages give couples the same legal rights when it comes to things like inheritance, property, and pensions. However, marriage tends to come with more tradition and formality. For many, marriage is linked to religious or cultural ceremonies, whereas civil partnerships are often more straightforward - you get all the same legal benefits without needing to follow the same traditions or customs.
When it comes to ending the relationship, the process differs slightly. If a married couple decides to split, they’ll need to get divorced. For civil partners, it’s called dissolution. The process, however, is very similar - just with slightly different terms and some variations in the rules.
Whether you choose a civil partnership or marriage is entirely up to you and your partner, considering what feels right for your relationship. Some people love the idea of a traditional wedding, while others prefer the simplicity of a civil partnership. Whichever path you choose, both give you the legal protection you need to safeguard your future together.
Civil partnerships come with a lot of benefits, and for many couples, it’s the perfect alternative to marriage. One of the main advantages is that it offers all the same legal rights and protections as marriage, without the need for traditional or religious ceremonies. Here’s why so many people choose a civil partnership:
In short, civil partnerships offer a modern and flexible way to formalise your relationship. They provide the same legal and financial security as marriage but without the traditional expectations. If you’re looking for legal recognition and protection without getting married, a civil partnership might be the perfect choice.
While civil partnerships offer many benefits, they’re not the right choice for everyone. It’s important to weigh up the potential downsides before deciding what’s best for you and your partner. Here are some of the key disadvantages of civil partnerships:
Ultimately, it’s all about what works for you as a couple. Civil partnerships offer a lot of legal benefits, but they don’t suit everyone’s needs or values. It’s worth thinking carefully about what’s most important to you and your partner when making your decision.
Since 2019, when civil partnerships were made available to opposite-sex couples, more and more straight couples have been opting for this route instead of marriage. In fact, according to the Office for National Statistics, a massive 83.7% of all 2022 civil partnerships were formed by opposite-sex couples.
For a lot of people, marriage often comes with a lot of expectations - big ceremonies, traditional vows, and all the formalities that some couples just don’t feel comfortable with. Civil partnerships give you the same legal protection as marriage, like inheritance rights and tax benefits, but without the need to have a big wedding or follow the religious customs that don’t resonate with you and your partner.
For others, it’s about sticking to their personal or religious values. Some people want the legal security and the protection that comes with marriage but don’t feel like marriage is the right option for them. Civil partnerships allow couples to gain those same legal benefits without going against their own beliefs.
Ultimately, civil partnerships are about choice. Whether it’s for personal reasons, simplicity, or practicality, couples are finding civil partnerships an attractive alternative to marriage - one that gives them legal recognition and protection while allowing them to define their relationship on their own terms.
If you and your partner choose to go down the civil partnership route, there are certain steps you’ll need to follow to make it official. The process is relatively simple, but there are some legal requirements to be aware of.
To register a civil partnership, you must both:
If either of you are aged 16 or 17, you should be aware that a civil partnership registered in Scotland won’t be legally recognised in England or Wales. In some cases, parental consent might also be needed if you’re under 18, depending on where you live.
Here’s how you'll officially register your civil partnership:
Giving Notice
First, you'll need to officially give notice at your local register office. Both you and your partner will need to do this in person at least 29 days before your civil partnership takes place (though there are some exceptions to this rule, such as for those who are seriously ill). During your visit to the register office, you’ll need to bring:
Once you’ve given notice, the details will be displayed at the register office for 28 days. This waiting period allows anyone with a legal objection to raise it.
Choosing Where to Register
Your civil partnership can take place at a register office or any other approved premises. The legal part of the process doesn’t require any ceremonies or vows, so you can keep things simple if you want to. All that’s needed is for you and your partner to sign the civil partnership document in front of two witnesses.
Signing the Civil Partnership Schedule
On the day, you and your partner will sign the civil partnership schedule, which is the document that officially registers your partnership. Your two witnesses will also need to be there to sign.
Receiving Your Civil Partnership Certificate
After the signing, you’ll receive your certificate, which is the legal proof to show your partnership has been properly registered. You’ll need this certificate for any future legal matters, such as changing your name or updating official records.
Once these steps are completed, your civil partnership is legally recognised, giving you and your partner all the legal rights and protections that come with it.
The cost of forming a civil partnership in 2024 can vary depending on where you live, the venue you choose, and the type of ceremony you're planning. To give you an overview, here’s a guide to what you might expect - but always check with your local register office for the most accurate details, as costs can differ from place to place.
The first legal step is giving notice at your local register office. This is where you and your partner formally declare your intention to enter into a civil partnership. The fee for giving notice is typically £42 per person, or £57 per person if either of you is subject to immigration control. This fee is fairly standard across the UK, but we always recommend confirming the details with your local office to avoid any surprises.
A registrar must be present to make your civil partnership legally binding. If you're holding your ceremony at the register office, the fee for this is generally lower. However, if you're opting for a different venue - such as a religious building or an approved venue like a hotel - the costs can increase. Fees may also vary depending on the day of the week and time of the ceremony, with weekends or evenings often costing more. For exact costs, it’s best to speak directly with your venue and local council.
The actual cost of your ceremony depends on when and where it takes place. A straightforward weekday ceremony at the register office is typically the least expensive option. However, if you're planning a larger ceremony or booking for a weekend, the costs will likely increase. As these fees can vary between councils, we suggest contacting your local office for a full breakdown.
If you're planning to make the day more of a celebration, there are a few additional costs to consider. Venue hire, catering, and attire are all optional extras that can significantly affect the total cost of your civil partnership. These personal touches vary from couple to couple and can make your day as unique as you want it to be.
Civil partners have the same rights as married couples in the UK. A civil partnership is a legal relationship that can be registered by same-sex couples or opposite-sex couples. A civil partnership gives the couple's relationship legal recognition and gives them legal rights and responsibilities just as a marriage does.
Under a civil partnership, each partner has the right to purchase and keep any property, investment, or savings in their name. Likewise, any property that a civil partner owned prior to entering the partnership will still be regarded as theirs. However, if the partnership ends, any property owned will be considered when reaching a financial settlement.
If a partner in a civil partnership dies without making a Will, the surviving partner is entitled to inherit the deceased partner's property, assets, and possessions according to the rules of intestacy. If a civil partner dies and has written a Will, the beneficiaries will inherit any assets in accordance with the terms of the Will. If a deceased partner leaves all of their property to a surviving partner, the surviving partner does not have to pay Inheritance Tax.
Civil partners have equal rights to the matrimonial home, regardless of who purchased it. This is referred to as "home rights." In the event that the partnership fails, both partners have the right to remain in their home unless the court orders otherwise.
From the moment of birth, a mother is automatically responsible for her child. A man has parental responsibilities over any child born to a woman with whom he is in a civil partnership. Also, couples who are in a civil partnership have the right to seek parental responsibility for their partner's children.
If same-sex partners were civil partners at the time of donor insemination or fertility treatment, they would both have parental responsibility for the child. In the event of dissolution, a civil partner may be required to pay their partner and their partner's children reasonable maintenance.
When you are applying to end a civil partnership, this is called dissolution. Thanks to the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act of 2020, which introduced no-fault divorce in the UK in April 2022, the process for dissolving a civil partnership is now the same as for divorce. This means you no longer have to provide evidence of wrongdoing by either party, such as unreasonable behaviour. Instead, you simply need to state that the relationship has irretrievably broken down.
The whole process can take up to 6 months or more, it can become a longer process if both partners don’t agree on things like finances or child arrangements.
First, you’ll need to have been in the civil partnership for at least a year before you can apply for dissolution. If you have you can then apply to dissolve a civil partnership either online or by post, with or without your civil partner’s consent. You’ll first need to complete the application form, usually stating that the relationship has irretrievably broken down.
Once your application is in, the court will issue what’s known as a Conditional Order (which is similar to the Decree Nisi in a divorce). After a mandatory waiting period of six weeks, you can apply for the Final Order, which officially ends the civil partnership. If both partners are on the same page and there’s no disagreement over things like money or childcare, this can all be fairly quick - around four to six months in total. But if there are disputes, it may take longer as these issues need to be sorted out first.
The dissolution process can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. At GloverPriest, we’re here to make things clearer and easier. Our specialist Civil Partnership Dissolution Solicitors can guide you through each step, whether you need help with the paperwork or are dealing with more complex issues. We’re here to support you and ensure you feel confident moving forward - get in touch.
At GloverPriest, we specialise in guiding couples through this process, making sure you fully understand each step, from giving notice to enjoying the legal protections a civil partnership provides. We’re here to support you with expert advice, whether you’re at the beginning of the journey or looking into dissolution.
If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our experienced Family Law Solicitors. We're here to make complex legal matters simple and ensure you feel confident in whatever decision you make. Complete our enquiry form and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
In simple terms, a civil partnership is a legally recognised relationship that gives you the same legal rights as marriage. You and your partner will have rights when it comes to things like property, inheritance, and pensions, plus financial protection if the relationship ends.
No, when civil partners end their relationship, this is called dissolution. A civil partner must have been in the partnership for at least a year before they can apply to the court for a dissolution order. The process for dissolving a civil partnership is similar to the process for divorce.
A civil partnership is a legal relationship between two people, similar to marriage. It sets out your rights and responsibilities towards each other and any children you may have.
Before registration, you and your partner may choose to write down a pre-registration agreement. While the agreement is not legally binding, the court could refer to it during settlement following a breakup.
A civil partnership is different from marriage but works in the same way. It was originally introduced for same-sex couples, but opposite-sex couples can also register for civil partnerships.
A civil partnership impacts issues that affect both of you, such as adoption, financial support of children, money and possessions, debts, inheritance, etc. For instance, you can jointly adopt a child in a civil partnership.
In England and Wales, a civil relationship may end either upon filing a request to the court or after a partner’s death.
Once your civil partnership is registered, you’ll be issued a civil partnership certificate, which is your official proof of the partnership. If you ever need additional copies, these can be requested from the register office where your partnership was formed, or you can apply for them through your local council’s website. It’s a key legal document, so be sure to keep it safe, especially for any future legal or financial matters.
Yes, civil partnerships can impact visa applications. If one partner is a UK citizen and the other is from outside the UK, the non-UK partner may be eligible for a spousal visa based on their civil partnership. This visa grants the right to live and work in the UK, just like in marriage. To apply, you’ll need to show that your civil partnership is genuine and that both of you meet the necessary financial and residency requirements.
Although civil partnerships and marriages share many of the same legal protections—such as inheritance rights, pension benefits, and parental responsibilities—they aren’t exactly the same. Civil partnerships don’t require religious ceremonies or vows, making them a more secular option. Also, when it comes to ending a civil partnership, the process is called dissolution, whereas marriages end in divorce.
A registered civil partnership is when your partnership is officially recognised and recorded by legal authorities, giving you and your partner legal rights and protection. It’s similar to marriage in terms of legal recognition but with its own procedures and ceremonies. Registering your civil partnership ensures both partners are safeguarded under the law.
Civil partnerships were first introduced in the UK under the Civil Partnership Act 2004, which came into effect in December 2005. This legislation initially only applied to same-sex couples. However, in 2019, the law was extended to allow opposite-sex couples to enter into civil partnerships, giving everyone access to the same legal protections.
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 is the legislation that governs civil partnerships in the UK. It was introduced to offer same-sex couples the same legal recognition and protections that married couples enjoy. In 2019, the Act was updated to allow opposite-sex couples to enter into civil partnerships, further expanding the law’s reach.
In the UK, a civil partnership is defined as a legally recognised relationship between two people, whether same-sex or opposite-sex. Both partners must be at least 16 years old, not closely related, and neither can already be married or in another civil partnership. Both must also give their consent, fully understanding what the partnership involves.
Couples choose civil partnerships for various reasons. Some prefer the more secular nature of a civil partnership, which doesn’t involve traditional religious vows or ceremonies. Others may feel that civil partnerships come with fewer cultural expectations than marriage. For many, it’s about having the legal recognition without the formality of a traditional wedding. Civil partnerships offer a modern, flexible option for couples who want legal protection but without the traditional framework of marriage.
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