Legal Preliminaries

(Notice of Partnership)

A notice of partnership is a notice stating the intention of two people to enter into a civil partnership.  The couple are both legally required to give a notice of partnership, in person, to a Civil Partnership Registrar at their local register office.  If you live in Kent please telephone 08458 247400 to make an appointment.  Couples may attend either together or individually whichever is more convenient.  The Civil Partnership Registrar will advise what fees and documents you need to bring.  If you live outside of Kent you will need to make an appointment at your local Register Office.

When the two notices of partnership have been given, the couple must wait 15 clear days before the registration or registration and ceremony can take place.  The registration should then take place within one year; otherwise fresh notices of partnership will need to be given.

For example, two notices of partnership given by a couple on 1st June 2012 will mean that the partnership can be registered on or after 17th June 2012 - and until 1st June 2013.

Documents required will include:

• Passports or birth certificates
• Divorce decree absolute (if previously married)
• Dissolution order (if previously in a civil partnership)
• Certificates or other documentation to confirm marital and civil partnership status, residence, nationality and names.

Other documents may also be required but this will depend upon personal circumstances. Registration staff will always be pleased to provide help and assistance.