Civil Partnership in Scotland : : Q and A

In this section, we've tried to respond to all the questions we've been asked about civil partnership by LGBT people since the Act was given Royal Assent on 18th November 2004. If you have a question that hasn't been answered here, please contact us.

Can my partner share my state pension?

Yes once both of you reach pensionable age.

You contact your local registration office.

There is a standard fee for registering a civil partnership: by December 2005 we expect this to be about Ł100 the same as for civil marriage. You may be charged an additional fee depending on the premises used.

What if my partner and I don't live together?

You don't have to live together to register a civil partnership.

Can my partner share my state pension?

Yes once both of you reach pensionable age.

How do you get a civil partnership in Scotland?

You contact your local registration office.

How much will it cost to get a civil partnership?

There is a standard fee for registering a civil partnership: by December 2005 we expect this to be about Ł100 the same as for civil marriage. You may be charged an additional fee depending on the premises used.

What if my partner and I don't live together?

You don't have to live together to register a civil partnership.

What happens if we already have a civil partnership or same-sex marriage from abroad?

Some civil unions or marriages registered abroad will be treated as if they were UK civil partnerships.

What is civil partnership?

It’s the legal way to formalise same-sex relationships and to get the same rights as married couples. It is available from 5th December 2005.

Who can get a civil partnership?

You must be over 16 single and not closely related to your prospective partner.

What if my partner isn't a UK citizen?

You can still register a civil partnership though you may need to get permission from the Home Office.

What if neither of us are UK citizens?

Any same-sex couple who are in the UK legally can register a civil partnership.