Civil Partnerships

The Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into force on 5 December 2005. This will enable same-sex couples to obtain legal recognition of their relationship. Couples who form a civil partnership will have a new legal status, that of 'civil partner'.

Civil partners will have equal treatment in a wide range of legal matters with married couples, including:

• Tax, including inheritance tax
• Employment Benefits
• Most state and occupational pension benefits
• Income related benefits, tax credits and child support
• Duty to provide reasonable maintenance for your civil partners and any children of the family
• Ability to apply for parental responsibility for your civil partner's child
• Inheritance of a tenancy agreement
• Recognition under intestacy rules
• Access to fatal accidents compensation
• Protection from domestic violence
• Recognition from immigration and nationality purposes

 

In order to form a civil partnership you must first give notice. A civil partnership can be formed in England and Wales at a register office or an approved premise.

The General Register Office (external link) has information on the process and costs of forming a civil partnership.

The Department for Work and Pensions leaflet for same-sex couples (37KB)  contains information on how partnerships may affect your benefits.

The Woman and Equality Unit has published some FAQs on civil partnerships (external link).

For further information contact

Chester Register Office
Chester Register Office,
Goldsmith House, Goss Street,
Chester, CH1 2BG
Telephone: 01244 602668
Fax: 01244 602934
Email: chesterregisteroffice@cheshire.gov.uk

or visit Cheshire Registration Services Civil Partnership Webpage (external link)

Dissolution

Dissolution is the term used to describe the termination of a civil partnership. Dissolution is a procedure similar to divorce. To get a dissolution you must have been in a civil partnership for more than one year. You must complete a form called a 'Petition', giving the reasons why you are applying, to show your civil partnership is definitely over- i.e. that it has 'irretrievably broken down'.

If there are children of the family you should also complete a form called a 'statement of arrangements' in which you tell the court what plans you have made for the children once the dissolution is final.

Her Majesty's Court Service website (external link) has information about dissolution.