What do I have to do to have my gay relationship legally recognised under the new law (Dec 05)?

I know that as a gay man I will be able to "marry" my boyfriend when new laws come into force later this year, and we want to make arrangements for our "wedding"as soon as possible. How  should we go about this?

Answer

From December 05 this year, gay and lesbian couples will be able to get legal recognition of their relationship with their same-sex partner by registering a civil relationship.

This will mean new rights and responsibilities for those who decide to take this step. It will affect adoption, inheritance, housing, tax, benefits and pensions. For more details on the changes in the law and the implications get advice.

To register a civil partnership, you will need to sign a special document in front of two witnesses and a registrar. You will be able to do this legally as long as you are both at least 16 years old, (although you will need written consent from parents or guardians if one or both of you are under 18 years), you have lived in England or Wales for at least seven days, neither of you is already a civil partner or married, and you are not close blood relatives.

Registration will take place in local register offices (although you will probably be able to use other non-religious, licensed premises such as hotels) and you will need to give at least 15days notice to your registrar.

You don't have to have a ceremony, although you are free to arrange one if you want to.

You should contact your local register office where you want to register your civil partnership for more information.

This information authored and first published by Citizens Advice July 2004 and published on the hereforadvice website September 05.