Registration of a Civil Partnership

The 5th December 2005 heralded a change in the attitude of government and society toward same sex partners. The Civil Partnerships Act 2004 made it possible for gay couples to formalise their relationship in much the same way as heterosexual marriage.

• To register your partnership you must give notice at the relevant Register Office, whereupon your details will be displayed for a waiting period of 15 days. The public can register objections; this is the same for heterosexual marriages, but unlike couples planning to be married, the applicants’ addresses will not be published.

• The Registration Civil Ceremony is just like a civil marriage and is simply the signing of the Register in the presence of witnesses and taking the legal vows. There can be no element of religion attached to this ceremony.

• Of course there are legal formalities about eligibility to register a civil partnership but these largely mirror those required for marriage. Please contact us for more information regarding the specifics.

• Just like getting married, there are serious considerations for both parties before entering a civil partnership as it will affect property that you own or live in, your assets, taxation and children from prior relationships.

For legal advice regarding any aspect of a Civil Partnership please contact, Pauline Troy:

e: pauline.troy@blackfords.com

t: 020 8603 1757

m: 07917 784620

For details of all the legal services that we can offer our clients see www.blackfords.com or telephone 020 8686 6232