A civil partnership is a legally recognized relationship between two people who are not related to each other. It is similar to marriage and was created primarily as a means to provide recognition in law for same-sex couples. Civil partnerships grant some or all of the rights of marriage, and once registered, it confers the same rights and responsibilities as marriage. Some of the legal rights and obligations that come with a civil partnership include:

• Inheritance rights: Civil partners have the right to inherit from each other if one partner dies without leaving a will.

• Employment benefits: Civil partners are entitled to employment benefits such as pension schemes, life insurance, and sick pay.

• Property: Both partners are entitled to acquire and keep any land, property, savings, or investments in their own right during their civil partnership.

• Parental rights: Civil partners have parental rights and responsibilities for any children they have together.

• Maintenance: Civil partners have a legal duty to support each other financially.

• Shared home: If a couple splits up, they may apply to the courts for a decision in relation to disputes over property with their partner.

Registering a civil partnership will give your relationship legal recognition and will give you added legal rights, as well as responsibilities. Once you have registered a civil partnership, it can only be ended if one of you dies, or by applying to court to bring the partnership legally to an end. You cannot apply to bring a civil partnership to an end until it has lasted for at least one year.