Entering into a Civil Partnership

The Civil Partnership Act came into force in December 2005 and brings the UK in line with other European countries that legally recognise same sex couples. 

Legal equality

Same-sex couples who form a civil partnership will be entitled to the same rights in law as heterosexual couples who enter into a civil marriage. These will include joint treatment for income-related benefits and joint state pension benefits. They can assume parental responsibility for each other's children; they will be recognised for immigration purposes and will be exempt from testifying against each other in a court of law.

What to do next

If you are considering a civil partnership, we would strongly advise you to consider taking advice on Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax planning and to make tax efficient Wills.  You can set up trust arrangements to preserve your wealth and for certain couples setting up 'pre-civil partnership' agreements with your partner may be appropriate depending on how much wealth and assets you are bringing into the relationship.