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Calderdale Register Office

Civil partnership arrangement and ceremony

A Civil Partnership Ceremony is a meaningful and dignified ceremony for adult couples of the same sex.

The introduction of the Civil Partnership Act in 2005 means that same sex couples can now make a legal and binding commitment to each other. There is no obligation to take part in a ceremony, but ceremonies are offered to those couples who want them. The legal recognition of a partnership is achieved by the acknowledgement of the words contained in a schedule, and the signing of that schedule in the presence of the Partnership Registrar and two witnesses.

Civil partnership formations may take place at any Register Office in England and Wales or at premises approved by a local authority for the formation of civil partnerships.

Working within the guidelines provided, couples can select words, readings and poems that hold a special meaning to them. They may choose a role for friends or family within the ceremony. This makes the occasion a meaningful, shared experience.

Ceremonies are secular and must contain no religious references.

The legal formalities

A notice of civil partnership is valid for twelve months.  You may therefore not give notice of civil partnership to the Partnership Registrar more than twelve months before the date of your formation.

A notice is only valid for the venue named on it.  Whereas it may be possible to alter the date of your formation (provided it is before the expiry date), a change of venue would require a fresh notice and fee.

After giving notice you must wait a further fifteen clear days before the formation can take place (for example, if notice is givrn on 1st July, the partnership ceremony can take place on or after 17th July)

Both authorities must have been issued on or before the date of the formation.

Civil partnership notices are taken at Calderdale Register Office by appointment only.

Documents required by law

When you attend before a Partnership Registrar to make formal arrangements, you will need to produce certain documents to confirm your name, age, marital status and nationality.

Preferred documents are:

• a current passport (or where appropriate, a Home Office Travel Document, a Standard Acknowledgement letter, or a national identity card) or, if unavailable
• a birth certificate and a second document such as a driving licence or medical card confirming your name and date of birth

Also required:

• if you have been widowed the death certificate of your former spouse/civil partner
• if you are divorced or your previous civil partnership has been dissolved the decree absolute/dissolution certificate
• Deed Poll documents if you have changed your name
• proof of your address in the form of a recent utility bill or bank statement
• a completed consent form if you are under 18 years of age.

Costs

You will each be charged a fee of £30 when you give notice

Plus

• the fee for a formation at the Register Office, including one certificate,  will be £43.50 payable on the day
• a formation at approved premises will incur a fee to the proprietors of the premises, and a fee for the attendance of the Partnership Registrar, which is variable depending on the day on which the ceremony takes place.  Current fees are, Monday to Friday £320.00 and Saturday/Sunday £380.00.

All fees are subject to review annually on the 1st of April.

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