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Civil Partnerships

From December 2005, same-sex couples across the UK can have their relationships legally recognised. From then on, any couple that registers a civil partnership will have the same rights as a married couple in areas like tax, social security, inheritance and workplace benefits. A booklet is available from the Walsall Register Office or from the Women and Equality Unit's Civil Partnerships website.

Who can register?

Two people who are:

  • Of the same sex 16 or over (with consent if under 18)
  • Not already married or in a civil partnership
  • Not closely related (e.g. parent, sister, niece, uncle)

How do we register a Civil Partnership?

First of all, you give notice of your intention to register to your local Register Office. Then after 15 days you can register your partnership by signing a civil partnership schedule in front of the register and your two witnesses. You will have to pay fees to give notice and to register.

Legal preliminaries to Civil Partnership

Before you can register your civil partnership in England or Wales, there are certain formalities that are required by law. Each partner will need to attend the Register Office in the district in which you have had your usual residence for the preceding seven days to inform them of your intention to register your partnership. This is called giving notice. Giving notice means declaring that you are free to register your partnership and requires you to provide certain documents. This notice may be given up to one year before the day of your civil partnership. Fifteen clear days must pass before the schedule can be issued and you are able to register your partnership. However you cannot register at a religious venue.

Documents to be produced

  • Documents regarding any other civil partnership in this or any other country
  • Passport or two forms of ID – Birth Certificate and/or Driving licence and/or Medical Card
  • Home Office documentation where applicable
  • If you have changed your name a Deed Poll or Statutory Declaration
  • Decree Absolute(s)
  • Death Certificate(s) of Wife, Husband or Civil Partner
  • Documents regarding any previous marriage in this or any other country, if appropriate
  • Completed Parent Consent(s) forms where applicable
  • Proof of Address, i.e. Council Tax bill, rent book, utility bill or bank statement

Overseas relationships

Some same-sex overseas relationship will automatically be treated as civil partnerships in the UK. If you are already registered or married abroad you may not need to register again to be legally recognised as civil partners in the UK. Full details of overseas schemes which may be recognised in the UK can be found on the Women and Equality Unit's Civil Partnerships website.

Immigration control

You have to follow special procedures if you want a civil partnership with someone subject to immigration control (e.g. staying in the UK on a visa). For example, when you give notice, you’ll need to go together to a specially designated Register Office. For more information about immigration related issues, vist the Immigration and Nationality Bureau website or telephone 0870 606 7766.

Fees

A fee of £30.00 each is payable at the time of giving notice (either by cash or cheque, with a valid cheque guarantee card).

It is possible to choose either a basic civil partnership registration or include a ceremony as part of the registration process. For further information see our Civil Partnership ceremonies page.

Contact us

The Register Office
Walsall Council
Civic Centre
Hatherton Road
Walsall 
WS1 1TN

Telephone 0845 111 2847
Email walsallregisteroffice@walsall.gov.uk