Civil Partnerships
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into force on 5 December 2005. This 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'.
- To form a civil partnership a couple must first enter notice of their intention to register.
- Before entering a notice each of the couple need to have a seven day residential qualification and to give notice in the area where they live prior to the formation of their civil partnership.
- The couple must be of the same sex, over 18 (or provide evidence of consent if over 16), not related to each other within the prohibited degrees of relationship and not in an existing marriage or civil partnership in order to enter into a civil partnership.
- There is be a 15 day waiting period once notice of intention to register has been given, before the formation can take place.
- It is possible to form a civil partnership either in a Register Office or an approved licensed venue of choice.
- The civil partnership is formed once the couple have signed a schedule in the presence of a registration officer and two witnesses.
- There is no requirement for a ceremony as part of the legal process of forming a civil partnership, in South Tyneside we will be delighted to offer a ceremony if required.
- The statutory fees for giving the notice of intention to register is £30 each and a single fee of £40 for the formation of a civil partnership in the Register Office. Fees for registration at an approved venue are Monday to Friday £215, Saturday £260, Sunday £300 and Bank Holidays £310.
- Certificates cost £3.50 if applied for on the day of the registration and subsequently cost £7 if you would like to make a provisional booking or if you have any questions please contact the Register Office on (0191) 455 3915.