As of December 5th, 2005 Gay, Lesbian and Transgenderd couples will be able to give notice of their intent to become Civil Partners, with Registrations beginning on the 21st December, 2005.

Civil Partnership is a new and long awaited legal status for same-sex couples with access to a wide range of rights and responsibilities.

What does this mean for us ?
Civil partners will have equal treatment in a wide range of legal matters with married couples, 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. (Inheritance)
• Access to fatal accidents compensation.
• Protection from domestic violence.
• Recognition for immigration and nationality purposes.
  

Above all, recognition of the validity of our relationships.

Below is a link to the full details:

Women and Equality Unit

How do we Register?

Like Heterosexaul couples, you need to contact your local Registry Office and register your intent first. This must be done in the local council registry office of where you live.

After at least 15 days your Civil Partnership can be formed. This does not have to be in yur local area, but your council will provide you with information n local venues.

Below is a list of links to each of the local councils in Berkshire and the details of thier provisions for Civil Partnerships:

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Reading Borough Council

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Slough Borough Council

West Berkshire Council

Wokingham District Council

What if the Relationship doesn't work?

Chiefly, if the relationship breaks down the civil partnership will need to be disolved, just like a divorce. This is called a dissolution and it will be court based. You will need to prove one of the following:

• Unreasonable behaviour, that is behaviour such that the applicant cannot reasonably be expected to live with.

• Separation for two years, where the other civil partner consents to a dissolution order being made.

• Separation for five years, where the other civil partner does not consent to a dissolution order being made.

• That the other civil partner has deserted the applicant for a period of two years prior to the application.

Couples need to be clear about the seriousness of the civil Partneship.

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