Civil partnerships for same sex couples

A new law for civil partnerships

Same sex couples can register a civil partnership in Stoke-on-Trent at the register office.

To make a partnership both of you must be:

• 18 years of age or over (if under that age you will need parental consent and must be aged 16 years or over);
• of the same gender;
• not currently married;
• not currently in a civil partnership; or
• not related to each other as defined by law - by blood or marriage.

There is a 15 day waiting period before you can complete the legal registration of your partnership. The first partnerships were formed from 21 December 2005. Same sex couples can make a formal and legal commitment to each other by registering their partnership under the new law.

The registration takes place in the presence of the couple, a local authority registrar and two witnesses either at the register office or at an approved premise licensed for civil ceremonies. No religious service can be used at the registration of a civil partnership.

What rights do you get?

A civil partnership will give you similar rights and responsibilities to those of a married couple, such as:

• employment and pension benefits;
• recognition under intestacy rules;
• the same treatment for the purposes of life assurance;
• a duty to provide maintenance for civil partners and any children of the family;
• equal assessment as spouses for taxes and government benefits; and
• legal recognition as next of kin for civil partners.

If you wanted to end your partnership you would have to petition through the court system.

How much will it cost?

You can find a list of all of our fees and charges by following the related page on the right hand side.

To read the file you will need a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader. 

Our registration fee for the formation of civil partnerships will mirror the fees for civil marriage ceremonies.

Where do I book my civil partnership?

Please contact our register office for more information.