Civil Partnerships
Along with all the arrangements for your big day, there are a number of formalities that must be completed before you can enter into a civil partnership, which are outlined here.
Who can form a civil partnership?
Two people can form a civil partnership if:
- They are of the same sex
- Neither are already married or in a civil partnership with someone else
- They are over the age of 16 (if they are under 18 they will require parental consent)
- They are not closely related to one another
How do I give notice?
Each of the couple will need to give notice of civil partnership to the registration authority in which they live.
Couples must allow 15 full days between giving notice and forming a partnership. This is known as the 15 Notice period. Notices will be displayed publicly in the usual way except that addresses will not be displayed.
Once the 15 day period has passed, no objections have been made and provided there is no lawful impediment to the marriage, the registration authority where the formation of the civil partnership is to take place will issue the authority for the forming of the partnership.
What documents do I need to bring?
You will need an official document to confirm your name, age, marital status, nationality and address, such as a passport or birth certificate.
Also required:
- if you have been widowed, the death certificate of your former spouse
- if you are divorced, a decree absolute bearing the court's original stamp
- deed Poll documents if you have changed your name
- a completed parental consent form if you are under 18 years of age
What if I am not from the UK?
Foreign nationals other than those from a European Economic Area (including Switzerland), cannot enter civil partnerships in the UK unless they fulfil certain requirements.
These are:
- They must have Entry Clearance expressly for the purpose of enabling them to form a partnership in UK - a Partnership or Fiancé(e) Visa in their passport. This should be gained from a British Embassy or High Commission in their country of origin; or
- They must have a Indefinite leave to remain granted and this has been stamped in their passport; or
- They must have a Certificate of Approval from Home Office, which must be applied for by post from the Home Office. It costs £135 for each Foreign National and is valid for 3 months. Any enquiries about applying for the Certificate of Approval must be made to the Home Office on 08706 067766
The couple intending to form a partnership must then attend a Designated Register Office together to give Notice. They need to bring with them all the required documentation otherwise notice cannot be taken.
How is a civil partnership formed?
Civil partnerships are formed by the signing of a civil partnership schedule. There will be a form of words similar to the words of declaration and contract spoken during a marriage ceremony, which will need to be acknowledged by the couple. Couples will need to ensure they have with them a minimum of two people to act as witnesses. Each ceremony will be tailored according to each couples needs and wishes. However no religious words, music or images may be used whilst the registrar is officiating.
Special procedures will be in place (as with marriages) to allow civil partnerships to be formed where a person is housebound, detained or ill and unlikely to recover. The 15 day notice period may also be waived in exceptional circumstances and with the authority of the Registrar General.
Where can civil partnerships be formed?
Civil partnership formations may take place in register offices and approved premises only, but couples do not have to form their partnerships where they attested their notices. Partnerships can only be formed between the hours of 8am and 6pm
If you would like to book your civil partnership formation at Hackney please contact us using the details below.
How much will it cost?
You will each be charged a fee of £30 when you give notice.
Plus
- a civil partnership formation at the Register Office will be £43.50 payable on the day
- a civil partnership formation at approved premises will incur a fee to the proprietors of the premises, and a fee for the attendance of the registrars, which is variable depending on the day on which the ceremony takes place
Will I get a certificate?
There will be two types of partnership certificate available. A certified copy will have all the information in the civil partnership register and the certified extract will have the same information except for the address recorded for the civil partners.
In order to get a copy of the certificate the applicant will have to provide the full address as recorded in the register. If the address can not be given only a certified extract will be issued. After 50 years this restriction will not apply.
Page updated: 20 Jun 2008