Entering into a civil partnership
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into force on 5 December 2005 and enables same-sex couples to obtain legal recognition of their relationship. Couples who form a civil partnership have a new legal status, that of 'civil partner'.
Civil partners have equal treatment to married couples in a wide range of legal matters, 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 partner and any children of the family
- Ability to apply for parental responsibility for your civil partner's child (England and Wales only)
- Inheritance of a tenancy agreement
- Recognition under intestacy rules
- Access to damages or compensation
- Protection from domestic violence
- Recognition for immigration and nationality purposes
Minimum age for entering into a civil partnership
The minimum age at which you can enter into a civil partnership varies, depending on where you live:
- In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you can enter into a civil partnership from the age of 16 if you have parental consent. However, without parental consent, you can enter into a civil partnership once you reach the age of 18.
- In Scotland, you can enter into a civil partnership from the age of 16, with or without parental consent.
Considerations before entering into a civil partnership
There are many things to consider before entering into a civil partnership, such as:
In this section of the law guide, we explore all of these issues relating to entering into a civil partnership. Click on the links on the left hand side of the page to find out more information on all of these topics relating to your civil partnership.
