Civil Partnership revised 2021
A civil partnership is a legal relationship entered by a couple, which is then registered and provides them with similar legal rights as married couples.
Civil partnerships were introduced in 2005 to legally recognise a same sex union. In Scotland from 30 June 2021 opposite sex couples can also enter into a civil partnership. Bookings for a mixed sex civil partnership can be made for a time on or after this date.
What are the differences
- Marriage is formed by ceremony and vows, whereas a civil partnership is formed by signing a civil partnership schedule. Although a ceremony is not required some couples wish to have one.
- Marriage is ended by divorce, whereas civil partnership is ended by dissolution.
- All couples now have a choice of how they wish to seal their relationship.
If you are already in a civil partnership and wish to take the administration route to marriage, please contact us and a suitable appointment will be made for you.
Before the appointment you will be asked to and bring a completed application form with you along with
- your civil partnership certificate
- form of photo identification for both parties - normally passports.
If you would like to discuss anything connected to civil partnerships or conversion to marriage, please contact us.