What is a Civil Partnership
A civil partnership is a legally binding contract between two
people of the same sex. It provides for same sex couples to form a
partnership, recognised in law, to become next of kin to one
another, and to enjoy the same rights and privileges awarded to
married couples.
When can you form a civil partnership
A couple intendeing to form a Civil Partnership must give a
formal notice of their intention in the in the registering
authority in which they have lived for the preceding 7 days. They
must then wait 15 clear days. The partnership is formed when the
couple sign a legal document, called a schedule, in the
presence of a Civil Partnership Registrar and two
witnesses.
Who can form a Civil Partnership
The couple must be of the same sex. A heterosexual couple may
not form a civil partnership.
You must be free to form the partnership – you must not be
in an existing civil partnership or marriage.
You must be over 18 years of age. If under 18, but over
16, you must bring written consent from a parent or legal
guardian.
If one or both parties do not hold British or EEC citizenship
they must seek Home Office approval before giving notice. For more
information visit the Home office
website.
How can you form a Civil Partnership
The Civil Partnerships are administered by local unitary or
county councils.
If you live in Bath and North East Somerset , or have lived here
for the preceding seven days, you must attend the Guildhall in
Bath.
You must bring with you your birth certificate and passport, any
change of name document if applicable, any document relating to the
ending of any former marriage or civil partnership and a utility or
council tax bill as proof of address.
The appointment will take approximately 30 minutes.
The fee will be £30.00 per person (£60.00 per couple)
We operate an appointment system. Please telephone us on 01225
477234 between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm Monday to Friday (except
on wednesday when we don't open until 10 am) to arrange your
appointment.
Ceremonies
The forming of a Civil Partnership does not require a ceremony,
but we are delighted to offer them in the Guildhall
or at one of our Approved Premises.
For more information or to request a brochure please
telephone us on 01225 477234 or click on the highlighted link
to veiw our brochure online.
The fees will be the same as for marriages. Please
click on the highlighted links for the fees for 2008 or the fees for 2009.
