On 5th December 2005 The Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into effect.
This act enables same sex couples to obtain legal recognition of their relationship and equality of treatment with opposite sex couples who enter into marriage.
A Civil Partnership is formed upon signature of the civil partnership agreement.
In order to form a civil partnership in the UK the couple must
- Both be of the same sex.
- Not be in another civil partnership or marriage.
- Be over 16 years of age.
- Not related in a prohibited degree.