What is a Civil Partnership?

In December 2005 for the first time same sex couples in permanent relationships had the opportunity to have their relationship recognised in law. The Civil Partnership Act 2004 created a new legal relationship of ‘civil partners’. This provided couples with equality of treatment in a wide range of legal matters as opposite sex couples who enter into marriage already received. 
A Civil Partnership is a legal commitment and is for couples in a long-term stable relationships. Opposite sex couples are not eligible for civil partnership registration as they can obtain the same rights and responsibilities by marriage. There is also a formal court based process for dissolution of a partnership.