What is a civil partnership
A civil partnership is a legal relationship which can be registered by two people of the same sex. If you are in a same-sex relationship, registering a civil partnership will give your relationship legal recognition. This will give you added legal rights, as well as responsibilities.
To register a civil partnership, you and your partner must sign a civil partnership document in front of two witnesses and a registrar.
In some situations, a same-sex couple who have not registered a civil partnership will have the same legal rights and responsibilities as a couple who have registered a civil partnership. This will be the case, for example, when working out your entitlement to welfare benefits and tax credits.
For more information about the rights and responsibilities of same-sex couples
GAY
