Guide to Civil Partnerships =========================== [Ayesha Vardag](https://vardags.com/solicitors/ayesha-vardag) | Founder & President | 12th June 2025 In recent years, both marriage and civil partnership have become available as options for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples. With these options available, it is more important than ever to understand the similarities and differences between the two. **What is a civil partnership?** -------------------------------- A civil partnership is a legal union similar to marriage, ensuring the same legal rights and protections. It was first introduced in the UK in 2005 through the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (passed on 21 December 2005) as an alternative to marriage for same-sex couples, prior to the legalisation of same-sex marriage. For a period of time, therefore, same-sex couples could only avail of civil partnership, and opposite-sex couples could only avail of marriage. Changes to the law were implemented - same-sex marriage became possible through the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013, and opposite-sex civil partnership became possible through the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Act 2019. The latter piece of legislation was effected largely through a [successful Supreme Court case](https://www.bailii.org/cgi-bin/format.cgi?doc=/uk/cases/UKSC/2018/32.html&query=(steinfeld.)+AND+(civil)+AND+(partnership)) brought by Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan which argued a breach of human rights for opposite-sex couples and pushed for a change in the law. In contemporary society, there are many couples that do not want to get married because they consider it to be dated, carrying disproportionate religious influence, and too many negative historical and patriarchal connotations, particularly for women (for example, traditions relating to the bride adopting the groom's last name, and to the father handing his daughter over to another man). Many couples that opt for civil partnership over marriage appreciate its emphasis on the civil rather than religious aspects of union and on the idea of creating a commitment agreement between equal partners that offers legal protection and benefits to them both. **If you are considering or going through a dissolution of your civil partnership, click below for a free initial consultation with one of our expert divorce solicitors.** [BOOK MY FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact) **Differences between civil partnership and marriage** ------------------------------------------------------ Civil partners have the same property, inheritance tax, social security and pension rights and benefits as married couples. They can easily acquire tenancy rights, life insurance recognition, next-of-kin rights for medical issues, parental responsibility for the partner's children and responsibility for maintenance of the partner and children. Highlighted below are comparably minor but key differences: - **Legal provisions and terms** - Differing legislation applies to each form of union. Civil partners cannot call themselves married, and married couples cannot call themselves civil partners. - **Formation** - Marriages are formalised with a specific, often religious, form of words, and conducted through a civil or religious ceremony. Civil partnerships are registered by signing a civil partnership document with no words needing been spoken, and conducted through an entirely civil event. - **Divorce/Dissolution** - While marriage is ended by divorce, civil partnerships are ended by a dissolution. The legal process involved is very similar as is the terminology (since the coming into force of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 in April 2022). - **Recognition overseas** - Opposite-sex marriages formed in England and Wales are recognised internationally while, for both same-sex marriages and same-sex and opposite-sex civil partnerships it is recommended that advice is sought about rights and recognition depending on the overseas location. **Differences to cohabitation** ------------------------------- Civil partnership is very different to cohabitation. For those not familiar with what civil partnership is these two situations can often be confused with people assuming that certain rights are acquired simply through living together, known as common law marriage in other jurisdictions. Civil partnership is more akin to marriage therefore the differences similar to the significant differences we recognise between marriage and cohabitation. Couples that cohabit will have some legal rights particularly where they have purchased property jointly, or where they share children. In addition, they may have entered into a formal cohabitation agreement which would confer certain rights. Generally though, they do not have the rights and benefits that civil partners enjoy. Contrary to popular belief, 'common law marriage' is not recognised in the UK. Different legal rules will apply in areas such as: - Property - ownership and tenancy rights - Inheritance (particularly where no will) and tax - Children - whether shared or adopted - Medical consent and next-of-kin issues - Financial and banking issues - Separation and financial support - Pensions issues - Domestic Violence **Entering into a civil partnership** ------------------------------------- In order to enter into a civil partnership, each party must: - Be a minimum of 18 years of age (from 27 February 2023 with the coming into force of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022, which amends the minimum age from 16 to 18 years) - Have lived in the same area of England and Wales for at least 7 days - Have not been previously married or in a civil partnership Notice of the union must be given at least 29 days in advance to the local authority in which the couple have lived for the previous seven days (this is the registration district in the case of marriage). Formation takes place through the signing of a civil partnership document before two witnesses and a registrar. About Us -------- Ayesha VardagFounder & President "A DIVORCE LAWYER WIDELY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE WORLD'S BEST" The Metro Vardags offer a unique approach to the law, specially tailored to the needs of HNW individuals. We offer City-quality representation for your divorce and family law needs. Our lawyers come from the very best universities and receive the very best training - they are determined, diligent, and dedicated to getting the best outcome... [read more](https://vardags.com/about-us) [BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact) Related Reads ------------- ### Always a bridesmaid, never a civil partner For many across the UK, the old adage "always a bridesmaid, never a bride," is not... [READ MORE](https://vardags.com/family-law/always-bridesmaid-never-partner "Always a bridesmaid, never a civil partner") ### Ayesha Vardag on the differences between civil partnerships and gay marriage As plans emerged for the introduction of gay marriage, Ayesha Vardag spoke to the Guardian about... [READ MORE](https://vardags.com/posts/ayesha-vardag-civil-partnerships-gay-marriage "Ayesha Vardag on the differences between civil partnerships and gay marriage") ### Why it only makes sense for straight couples to get civil partnerships Under the Civil Partnership Act 2004, only two people of the same sex can enter into a civil... [READ MORE](https://vardags.com/family-law/straight-couples-civil-partnerships "Why it only makes sense for straight couples to get civil partnerships") The information on this website is intended as a guide and does not constitute legal advice. Vardags do not accept liability for any errors in the information on this website, nor any losses stemming from reliance upon the statements made herein. All articles and pages aim to reflect the legal position at time they were published, and may have been rendered obsolete by subsequent developments in the law. Should you require specialist advice, tailored to your situation, please see how Vardags can help you. AUTHOR ------ Ayesha Vardag "Britain's top divorce lawyer" Ayesha Vardag rose to fame for winning the landmark Supreme Court case of Radmacher v Granatino in 2010, changing the law to make prenuptial agreements legally enforceable in England and Wales. The founder and President of Vardags, Ayesha specialises in high-net-worth divorce, often with an international... [READ MORE](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/ayesha-vardag "Ayesha Vardag") What our clients say -------------------- Simply the best. 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