Civil Partnership

The landmark Civil Partnership Act came into force on 5th December 2005. Any couple wishing to form a civil partnership may now give notice to register at a Register Office.

1. What rights and responsibilities will a couple entering into a civil partnership have?

Couples entering into a civil partnership will broadly have similar rights to married couples including: 

• employment and pension benefits
• recognition under intestacy rules
• access to fatal accidents compensation
• recognition for immigration and nationality purposes
• a duty to provide reasonable maintenance for your civil partner and any children of the family
• civil partners to be assessed in the same way as spouses for child support
• equitable treatment for the purposes of life assurance.

2. Is legal assistance required in order to form a civil partnership?

No.  The Registrar at your local Register Office can be contacted to advise of the formalities of entering into a civil partnership.  Legal advice can however ensure that the legal implications of entering into a civil partnership are understood.

3. Can I dissolve a civil partnership if the relationship breaks down?

A civil partnership can be dissolved after one year, the procedure for which is very similar to divorce, except that there is no concept of adultery. Financial provision and matters relating to children are again very similar to those in respect of divorce.

RUGBY Lisa Warden Family Secretary Tel: (01788) 532926 Email: lisawarden@brethertons.co.uk	BANBURY Kate O’Brien Family Administrator Tel: (01295) 661 472 Email: kateobrien@brethertons.co.uk

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