The Civil Partnership Act of 2004 formally recognized civil partnerships between same-sex couples in the United Kingdom. This implies that relationship between these couples is legally recognized and is therefore categorized as ‘civil partnerships’. Each of the partners in such a relationship have equal property rights, much like opposite sex-couples, and the same set of exemptions on social security, pension and inheritance tax. They are even eligible for parental responsibility. Civil partnership solicitors can enlighten you about the various aspects of the Civil Partnership Act.

Each of the partners can be held accountable for providing maintenance for another partner and even their children, life insurance recognition, tenancy rights and the next-of kin rights during medical procedures. There is also a recognized procedure for the termination of such civil alliances, similar to a divorce procedure.

A civil partnership is initiated when two individuals of the same sex make a formal registration as a couple. The end to such a partnership is marked by a formal dissolution process. In order to file an appeal for registration as civil partners, each of the partners should be of the same sex and be 16 years of age and above. With the exception of Scotland, individuals below 18 years need to have parental consent before they apply for registration.