IMPORTANT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CIVIL PARTNERSHIP
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 enabled same-sex couples to obtain legal recognition of their relationship .
However , since the introduction of the Marriage ( Same Sex Couples ) Act 2013 this allows same-sex couples the choice of which ceremony they want to go through .
As with a marriage ceremony we take a provisional booking and a £ 50 non-refundable deposit up to two years in advance of your chosen date at either the Essex Register Office , Chelmsford , or any Community Venue or Approved Premise . Registrations may or may not include a ceremony .
You must give legal notice of your intention to form a Civil Partnership .
GIVING NOTICE FOR A CIVIL PARTNERSHIP
Each person wanting to form a civil partnership must give their own notice in the district in which they reside .
If you live in Essex , you can give your notice at any Registration Office in the county . Please be aware that this does not include residents of Southend and Thurrock who must give their notices in the relevant district .
You will also be required to show evidence that you have been resident in a district in England or Wales for at least 7 whole days , immediately prior to giving Notice .
Notice can be given no earlier than a year before the civil partnership . Since the 2nd March 2015 the legal notice waiting period changed to at least 28 days before the ceremony . A notice period of 70 days may be needed if either of the parties is not an EEA national . The Ceremonies Team will be please to advise further
During the waiting period your notice will go on public display at Seax House in Chelmsford but no addresses will be displayed . At the end of the waiting period your authorities for civil partnership will be issued .
If either yourself , or your partner are subject to immigration control , you will both be required to give Notice of civil partnership at a designated Registration Office . For more information , contact contact the Central Ceremonies Team on 0345 604 7632
WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO BRING ?
When giving notice to form a civil partnership , each party will need to produce evidence of identification .
What you will need to produce depends very much on your personal circumstances , but could include a valid passport , full birth certificate , driving licence , change of name document and divorce papers , these confirm name , age , nationality and marital status , as well as proof of address .
If you have been married or been through a civil partnership before ; you will need to produce either a court stamped decree absolute or your late spouse or civil partner ’ s death certificate .
If the divorce was abroad please contact the Ceremonies Team on 0345 603 7632 as they will explain the requirements and fees .
If either of you is under 18 you will also need parental consent .
DOCUMENTS
Both partners will need to attend for the conversion . You will need to bring your original civil partnership certificate along with a piece of current ID and a proof of your present address . There is no need to bring witnesses and there is no waiting period . You will need to make an appointment for your conversion .
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