Civil Partnership Notices and Ceremonies
From 5th December 2005, same sex couples in the United Kingdom can have their relationships legally recognised by The Civil Partnership Act 2004.
The following questions and answers will assist with partnership plans. A notice of civil partnership will need to be given before a civil marriage can take place.
Who is eligible to register a Civil Partnership?
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A person must be over 16 years of age with parental consent;
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Eighteen years of age or over without consent;
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Members of the same sex;
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May not be able to enter in to civil partnership if related by blood, marriage, adoption or surrogacy;
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Must not already be married or in a civil partnership.
What is a Notice of Civil Partnership?
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A notice of civil partnership is a legal requirement which must be given before The Civil Partnership Registration can take place.
Where can Notice of Civil Partnership be given?
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A notice of civil partnership must be given in person by the couple in the registration district in which they have lived for a minimum of seven days regardless of where they are to hold the registration.
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Couples wanting a civil partnership abroad need to consult the authorities of that country in advance to ensure they obtain the correct documentation from Britain.
What documents are needed to give a Notice of Civil Partnership?
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Evidence of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate or driving licence).
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If previously married or in a civil partnership documents showing how that relationship ended (such as decree absolute stamped by The Court , a death certificate or another court ruling).
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Proof of current name and address (such as a utility bill).
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If a name has been changed supporting documents will need to be seen such as a Deed Poll or Statutory Declaration, the documents will need to be seen. A Deed poll should be stamped by The High Court. Name changed by usage should also be accompanied by evidence.
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If one or both of the parties are not British or from The E.U. notice may need to be given at a designated register office other than the local office. Further information can be provided by this office.
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The Notice of Partnership will be displayed on the Register Office notice board for 15 clear days. This is to ensure that no member of the public has any legal objection to the partnership. After this time a schedule giving authority can be issued in readiness for the registration.
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N.B. Photocopies of documentation cannot be accepted.
Where can a civil partnership take place?
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At any register office in England or Wales.
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At any approved premises in England or Wales (hotels for example) which has been licensed for civil partnership, costs will vary.
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Civil Partnership ceremonies can be performed in the Register Office or approved premises within Torfaen on almost any day of the year. Currently these premises are The Parkway Hotel and The Commodore Hotel, Cwmbran and The Millennium Hall Garndiffaith.
When can a Notice of Civil Partnership be given?
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This can be done up to a year in advance of the registration date, but not less than 15 days before.
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After a notice of civil partnership has been given and displayed on the notice board in The Register Office for 15 full days, if no legal objection has been lodged a schedule authorising the partnership can be issued. This schedule is valid for up to one year from the date the notice was given.
How much does it cost to give Notice of Civil Partnership?
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Currently the fee is £30 per person on the day notice is given.
What is the charge for the Civil Partnership Registration?
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In a register office the current charge is £43.50 on the day. This includes the certificate of civil partnership which costs £3.50.
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In approved premises such as a hotel, (licensed for marriages), the fee can vary greatly. In this District it is currently £153.50 to £228.50 depending on the day chosen.
What if my partner lives in another district?
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Your partner must give notice of civil partnership in that district. The fee of £30 will be the same and an appointment will need to be made with that office.
What to expect from the Civil Partnership Ceremony?
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The Superintendent will conduct the registration. It can take the form of a ceremony, or it can just be the simple signing of the schedule.
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The Partnership ceremony itself is a happy yet dignified occasion; however, it cannot have any religious content.
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Choices can be made within the ceremony. Music and readings can also be added to the legal framework of the ceremony.
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Partners can be given away and rings presented by a special guest.
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The choice of ceremony can be decided by the couple with help from a specially prepared information pack issued by the Register Office which aims to make the day as special as possible. Staff will be happy to discuss and advise on your partnership ceremony.
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Finally at the end of the ceremony the certificate of partnership will be presented by the Superintendent Registrar. Additional copies can be purchased at this time or at a later date.
If you require further assistance, please contact the Register Office on 01495 762937.