Civil Partnership Act 2004

The Civil Partnership Act 2004 enables same-sex couples to obtain legal recognition of their relationship. Couples who form a civil partnership have a new legal status, that of 'civil partner'.

Civil partners have equal treatment to married couples in a wide range of legal matters, including:

tax, including inheritance tax
employment benefits
most state and occupational pension benefits
income-related benefits, tax credits and child support
duty to provide reasonable maintenance for your civil partner and any children of the family
ability to apply for parental responsibility for your civil partner's child
inheritance of a tenancy agreement
recognition under intestacy rules
access to fatal accidents compensation
protection from domestic violence
recognition for immigration and nationality purposes

Before you can enter into a civil partnership there are a number of legal requirements that must be satisfied.

By law each partner is required to give a legal notice which is a formal declaration of their intention to enter into a civil partnership. This must be done in person - a friend or relative or other agent is unable to do this on your behalf.

Giving notice of civil partnership

Both partners must give notice of civil partnership to the Register Office in the district where you live. You must have lived in the district at least seven days before giving notice. There is a standard fee payable.

You may choose to have your civil partnership at any register office within England and Wales, or at an venue that has been approved by the local authority for holding ceremonies. If you were to change the venue to somewhere other than as stated in your notice, it will be necessary to give and pay for fresh notices.

There are documents you are required to show at the time of giving notice.

How much notice is required

You cannot give a Notice of Civil Partnership more than one year before the planned date of the ceremony/formation. Your civil partnership cannot be registered until 16 days after you have given the notice.

Provisional bookings

If you wish to make a provisional booking to hold your ceremony and registration with Salford please telephone 0161-909 6501 to make an appointment. This will enable you to secure a day and time and plan for your special day in advance.

Fees

Notice of Civil Partnership - £33.50 per partner. Formation/Ceremony at the Register Office - £43.50 (including one certificate).

Appointments

It will be necessary to make an appointment to give your Notice of Civil Partnership at Salford Register Office. Please telephone 0161-909 6501 to arrange a convenient time.

Legal implications of civil partnerships

You can find out more on civil partnerships, including a schedule of frequently-asked questions from the Women and Equality Unit.

Who to contact

Name: Salford Register Officer
Address: Salford Civic Centre
Chorley Road
Swinton
Salford
M27 5AW
Map to this location
Telephone: 0161-909 6501
Email: birthsanddeaths1@salford.gov.uk