Information for same-sex
couples about Civil Partnership.
What is a Civil Partnership?
A Civil Partnership is a legal union between two people of the
same-sex. It gives a same sex couple the same rights as a married
couple, such as pension and inheritance equality.
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Why isn't it called a marriage?
In this Country the term 'marriage' has a legal definition
as defined in the Marriage Act 1949. Part of this definition
states that for a marriage to be legal it must be for 'one man' and
'one woman'.
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How does partnership registration work?
Couples must attend a register office within their local
authority area to register their intent to apply for civil
partnership registration. Identification documents will need to be
produced and a legal form will be completed and signed by both
parties and displayed publicly before the registration and optional
ceremony can formally take place. This is called a 'Notice of Civil
Partnership'.
All the
Suffolk Register Offices operate an appointment system to
prepare a Notice of Partnership which last about 40 minutes.
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What Documents will I need to show?
When you contact your local Register Office the receptionist
will discuss with you what documents you will need to bring. These
may include some or all of the following depending on your
circumstances:
- change of name deed (registered with the Royal Court of
Justice);
- death certificate of former spouse;
- decree absolute or partnership dissolution;
- full birth certificate;
- passport;
- proof of residence, such as driving licence, council tax or
utility bill.
Please note that all documents must be current and show your
present address where applicable. (This is an important
consideration if you have recently moved house). Photocopies of any
document are not acceptable.
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Is a ceremony part of this process?
The ceremony is optional. The legal part of forming a civil
partnership is the signing of the partnership schedule.
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Where can we hold our partnership registration or ceremony?
You can hold your partnership registration or ceremony at
any Register Office in England or Wales. Or at one of the licensed
Approved Premises in England or Wales. An Approved Premise will be
a public building such as a hotel or stately home or any other
building the local authority feels is an appropriate place for a
ceremony to be held.
You do not have to hold your partnership registration or ceremony
in the area in which you live.
A complete listing of all:
It is also possible to hold a partnership registration or ceremony
outside of England and Wales but different rules apply.
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When can I make a booking?
Registrations or ceremonies can be booked at the earliest 12
months in advance or at the latest 17 days in advance. Some offices
may allow you to make provisional bookings more than 12 months in
advance.
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How much will it cost?
Fees shown are for Partnership Registration and Optional
Ceremony.
|
Location of Ceremony |
Price |
| Register Office |
£40.00 |
|
Approved venue (Monday-Thursday) from 1st April 2009 - 31st
March 2010 |
£250.00 |
|
Approved venue (Friday and Saturday) from 1st April 2009- 31st
March 2010 |
£320.00 |
|
Approved venue (Sunday and Bank Holiday) from 1st April 2009 -
31st March 2010 |
£400.00 |
|
Approved venue (Monday-Thursday) from 1st April 2010 - 31st
March 2011 |
£255.00 |
|
Approved venue (Friday and Saturday) from 1st April 2010- 31st
March 2011 |
£330.00 |
|
Approved venue (Sunday and Bank Holiday) from 1st April 2010 -
31st March 2011 |
£410.00 |
|
A £50 non-refundable deposit is required to secure a time slot
for Approved Venue bookings.
Any changes to a ceremony booking will incur a £20 administration
charge. |
|
|
Each Copy of Partnership certificate/extract |
£3.50 |
|
Souvenir Commemorative certifcate |
£10.00 |
Please note these fees are in addition to the cost of the 'Notice
of Partnership fee' of £30.00 each.
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Is there any way of arranging a civil
partnership immediately?
There are some circumstances where it may be possible to reduce
the standard waiting period of 17 days.
These are usually exceptional and could include situations such
as:-
The serious illness of either partner from which they are not
expected to recover.
The posting to a war zone of either partner as part of their duties
of being a serving member of the armed forces.
If you think that your circumstances could warrant a waiver of the
standard waiting period please contact your local
Suffolk Register Office without delay or email
enquiries@registrars.suffolkcc.gov.uk
In some cases an additional and non-refundable fee may be
payable.
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Is there any
alternative?
Yes, same sex couples are welcome to have a Commitment
Ceremony. This is not a legal ceremony but does fulfil the
needs of many couples to formally declare their personal commitment
to each other.
For full details please refer to our page dedicated to this
service -
commitment ceremonies
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If you need more information on this subject please contact
Suffolk Register Offices or email
enquiries@registrars.suffolkcc.gov.uk