Civil partnerships
What is civil partnership?
Civil partnership allows same sex couples across the UK to have
their partnership legally recognised. Any couple that registers a
civil partnership will have the same rights as a married couple in
areas such as tax, social security, inheritance and workplace
benefits.
Who can register?
You can register if you are:
- Two people who are of the same sex aged 16 or over (with
consent if under 18)
- Not already married or in a civil partnership
- Meet relationship criteria
How do we register?
Both partners will need to give legal notice
of their intended partnership to the council in which they have
been resident for the seven days prior to giving the notice. Then
after 15 days you can register your civil partnership by signing a
civil partnership schedule in front of the registrar and two
witnesses.
Both partners will need to produce passports
as evidence of identity and nationality and some proof of residence
in the form of utility bills, council tax bill, bank statement or
any other form of official documentation. If either party has been
through a marriage or other partnership previously they would also
have to produce evidence of how this ended. You will also have to
pay fees to give notice and to register.
Where can the partnership be registered?
The partnership can be formed in any council
register office, irrespective of the residence of the couple, or at
approved premises that have previously been approved for
marriages.
What form will the registration take?
There is no requirement for couples to say
particular contractual words as part of the registration process,
nor will there be any legal necessity for any form of ceremony. The
minimum requirement will be the couple attending before an
authorised civil partnership officer and signing the registration
in the presence of two witnesses.
What if one partner is not an UK or EU citizen?
If one or both of the partners are subject to
immigration control it will be necessary for both partners to
attend together a designated register office to give the required
notice. Further information can be obtained from your local
Register Office.
What if I am already part of a partnership which took place
overseas?
If you are already legally registered as a
couple abroad you may not need to register again to be legally
recognised as civil partners in the UK. Please contact the
register office for advice.
How will this affect my state or local government pension?
Civil partners currently have most of the same
state pension rights as husbands and you will be treated the same
as husbands and wives after 2010, when the treatment of men and
women is to be equalised. For further information you should
contact your employer or The Pension Service
(part of the Department for Work and Pensions) on 0845 6060265.
Will my tax be affected?
Civil partners will be treated in the same way
as a married couple for all tax purposes. Contact your
tax office for more
information.
Will my civil partnership relationship affect my tax
credit?
The income of a civil partner or a cohabiting
same-sex partner will be taken into account when calculating
entitlement to income related benefits (e.g. income support) and
tax credits. This means you will be treated the same as a married
or a cohabiting couple.
How do I change my name on my employment records?
As with marriage, there is no legal
requirement to change your surname. This can be done by informing
the appropriate departments of the name(s) you wish to be known by.
(You may be required to provide a copy of your extract for their
records).
Can my civil partner be my next of kin?
Yes
For further information contact:
Tower Hamlets Register Office
Bromley Public Hall
Bow Road
London, E3 3AA
Tel: 020 7364 7880
Fax: 020 7364 7885
Email: register.office@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
and Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm. Wednesday 9.30-11.30am
and 2-4.30pm.
We do not operate an appointment system so you can attend this
office anytime during the opening hours. We do have early morning
and late evening appointments for giving Notice of Marriage/Civil
Partnership and Nationality Checking Service,
please call us for further information and to
book an appointment.
Please note: All parties wishing to place
Notice of Marriage or Civil
Partnership need to attend this office by 4pm. NON Tower
Hamlets residents must contact us to arrange an
appointment.
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