A Civil partnership is a legal commitment, which can be formed by two people of the same sex, giving them the ability to obtain legal recognition for their relationship. Couples who form a civil partnership will have a new legal status: that of 'civil partners'.

Same-sex couples who form a civil partnership will be treated equally in a wide range of legal matters with those opposite-sex couples who enter into a marriage. For more information on Civil Partnerships go to the Women and Equality Unit website or HM Government booklet (pdf file).

In order to form a civil partnership in the UK, the couple must:

• both be of the same sex
• not already be in a civil partnership or marriage
• be 16 years of age or older In England and Wales (individuals who are aged 16 and 17 will have to obtain the written consent of their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) before forming a civil partnership.)
• not be within the prohibited degrees of relationship

If you live in Lancashire you will first need to contact the Ceremonies Officer for the area in which you live. The Ceremonies Officer will arrange an appointment for you to give a formal notice of your intention to form a civil partnership at a Lancashire Registration Office. If you live outside Lancashire you will need to contact the Registration Office in the district where you live.

There has to be a period of fifteen clear days between giving this notice and being able to register as civil partners. This will allow the proper checks to be made to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. If an objection is made during the waiting period, the objection will have to be dealt with before the registration can take place.

When you give notice, you will be asked to state where you wish your civil partnership registration to take place. Lancashire offers partnership ceremonies in all the Registration Offices and approved premises within the county. They may be celebrated on any day of the year except Good Friday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.