Civil Registrations

The Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into force on 5 December 2005 and it enables same sex couples to obtain legal recognition of their relationship. Couples who form a civil partnership will 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 doing this both people will need to have a seven day residential qualification. They will also have to give notice in the area where they live prior to the creation of their civil partnership.

The couple must be of the same sex, over 18 (or provide evidence of consent if either or both are 16 or 17), not related to each other within the prohibited degrees of relationship, and not in an existing marriage or civil partnership. There will be a 15 day waiting period once notice of intention to register has been given, before the registration can take place.

It may be possible to reduce the 15 day waiting period (where there are compelling reasons to do so), for a registration to take place at the residence of someone who is housebound, detained or seriously ill and not expected to recover.

It is possible to form a civil partnership either in a Register Office or a licensed venue of choice. The civil partnership will be formed once the couple have signed in the presence of a registration officer and two witnesses.

Each partner has to sign the schedule in the presence of the Registrar and two witnesses. Couples may opt for a quiet signing of the schedule only, or may choose a ceremony in front of family and friends. You do not have to have a formal ceremony if you do not want to, but we will be delighted to offer advice if you would like to have one.

There is also a formal, court-based process for dissolving the partnership.

The statutory fees for giving the notice of intention to register are £30 each and a single fee of £40 for the formation of a civil partnership in the Register Office. Fees for registration at a licensed venue of choice can be obtained from the Register Office.

Certificates cost £3.50 if applied for on the day of the registration and £7.00 anytime afterwards.

Some of the legal recognition that Civil Registration will give you as a couple includes:

• access to benefits including Social Security and State Pension, including the right to benefit from a dead partner’s pension

• recognition under inheritance rules

• ability to succeed to tenancy rights

• next-of-kin visiting rights in hospital

• ability to gain parental responsibility for each others children

• right to register the death of a partner

• employment benefits

• recognition under intestacy rules

Please note that this list is by no means complete.

If you have any further questions about Civil Registration on the Isle of Wight, please contact the Register Office on 01983 821000 and we will be happy to help you.