Civil Partnerships – how are they formed...
Jo Spain, family law solicitor
The process of forming a Civil Partnership is very similar to entering into a Civil Marriage. Two people are regarded as having entered into a Civil Partnership once they have both signed the Civil Partnership Document in the presence of a Civil Partnership Registrar and in the presence of each other and of two witnesses. The Document is then signed by the Registrar and the witnesses.
No religious ceremony may be used at a Civil Partnership ceremony and the ceremony must take place at a Register Office or an “approved venue”.
Notice must be given of an intention to register a Civil Partnership and notices are publicised by the registration authority for a period of 15 days.
Once a Civil Partnership is registered a Civil Partnership Certificate is provided by the venue.
It is not possible to enter into a Civil Partnership if:-
- the parties are not of the same sex;
- either party is under 16;
- either party is married or is already a Civil Partner;
- the parties are within what is known as the prohibited degrees of relationships (which in general terms means they are related).
It is possible for those over 16 but under 18 to enter into a Civil Partnership but consent of an “appropriate person” is required.
