Civil Partnerships News
Gay Marriages in Leicestershire
Same sex couples are now able to marry in Leicestershire, following
the implementation of the Civil Partnerships law in th UK.
But, are Leicestershire's Registry Offices ready? Are Government guidelines being put into practice? We will be doing our best to find out and bring you the latest details about how to tie the knot.
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 received Royal Assent on 18 November 2004.
HM Government have released a leaflet on Civil Partnership. This informs same-sex couples that in the UK they can have their relationships legally recognised. Those in civil partnerships will then have the same rights as a married couple in matters of tax, social security, inheritance and workplace benefits.
Advice and information can be obtained from the General Register Office web site or from the Woman and Equality web site (see below).
21st December 2005 - when it all
started
The Civil Partnership Act took effect from the 5th December,
2005, with the first partnerships being
performed from 21st December - just
in time for Christmas. Gay and Lesbian
couples now have almost the same rights
as their straight counterparts.
How it works
The Partnerships commitment ceremony takes place at a registry
office and will is performed by a Registrar in front of two witnesses.
Both candidates must be aged 16 or over but if under 18, must
have their parents' consent.
Each partner has to give at least 15 clear days notice before
the date of registering.
The procedure - ceremony if you will - involves both partners signing a legal document, in effect a marriage contract. The document must be signed in front of a registrar and two chosen witnesses.
The partnership allows gay or lesbian couples to benefit
from a dead partner's pension, grant next-of-kin rights in hospitals
and exempt them from inheritance tax on a partner's home.
For more details, read the Citizens
Advice Bureau's document online.
General Register Office
News
New guidance aimed at helping same-sex
couples couples find out more about
the new Civil Partnership law has been
published by independent national charity
Citizens Advice.
The new fact sheet, available under ‘What's
new' on the Citizens Advice web site www.adviceguide.org.uk ,
explains how people can register a
civil partnership. It also tells them
about changes to inheritance, tax,
housing and benefits rights, and where
people can go to get more advice.
But Citizens Advice is also concerned
that many people are not fully aware
of the implications of the new law.
In some cases, if a person lives with
their same-sex partner, their rights
may be affected whether or not they
choose to enter into a civil partnership.
The changes will mean that some couples
claiming pensions or welfare benefits
may see their entitlements change.
Instead of claiming individually, same-sex
couples who live together will be treated
as a couple and no longer as two single
people, even if they do not register
a civil partnership. Benefit entitlements
will be affected because the income
and savings of both partners will be
taken into account when working out
benefit claims.
Local Registry Offices
CITY OF LEICESTER REGISTER OFFICE
5 Pocklingtons Walk
Leicester
LE1 6BQ
Phone: 0116 253 6326
Find out about Civil Partnerships
Here are some links to help you gen up on the new legislation.
If you really must - read the Civil Partnerships Act.
Briefing
from the Women and Equality Unit and
Frequently
asked questions.
Government things it will create a fairer society - Pink Products Newsroom Your questions answered - by Modern Commitments.
So what about Inheritance Tax? Not everyone is happy with the new law - read what Peter Tatchell has to say about it.
Should same-sex couples committed to a long-term and monogamous relationship be allowed to marry? What do you think?
Relate helps gay couples to get ready for married life.
Stonewall welcomes the new law.
Click here for help using this web site.
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