Do we need a Civil Partnership / Marriage

Just_Passing_Bi

My partner & I have been together close on 30 years, Civil Partnership has not really interested us, we've been happy as we are, however, I'm sure there has been a recent change with Civil partnership / same sex marriage, is it something we need to give serious consideration to?

One reason we havn't considered CP, is the cost, we're quite happy to have something legalised, then return home :cool:

joolesw1972

It doesn't have to be expensive, you have to pay £35 each when you give notice
https://www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships/documents-to-take-to-the-register-office

Then as little as £45 for the service & £4 for the cert
https://www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships/weddings-and-civil-partnership-ceremonies

We had a CP for romantic reasons, but a consideration was becoming each others legal next of kin etc, but at the end of the day it's personal choice, after 30 years you certainly don't need it as a sign of your commitment x

minerva_windsong

Basically the changes that are coming in will allow same-sex couples to marry from this Saturday (29th March). I'm not sure if you can still have a civil partnership once the change comes into effect.

On the cost issue, the cheapest wedding is £119 - £35 each to give notice, £49 for simple ceremony with two witnesses. If you don't have readings it's about ten minutes and you're done. I'm not sure about costs for a civil partnership but guessing they'd be the same.

Personally, I would do it for the legal security if nothing else as your spouse becomes your next of kin, which could be important for things like medical care or wills, though there are ways round that without being married/civil partnered. BUT that is just my opinion - this is a decision that should be made by you and your partner and only do it if it's what the two of you want.

TonyMMM

There is no definition of "Next of Kin" in England/Wales, but being married/CP will potentially stop that being an issue should the need arise.

Likewise NoK status (as there isn't one) is irrelevant in terms of inheritance, but being married/CP will mean automatic inheritance rights if one of you were to die without leaving a will. It can also mean that you have rights to a surviving partner pension, that you may not get otherwise.

As said above, it can be done quickly and cheaply if required.

Cottage_Economy

Agree with opinions above. For commitment purposes you don't need to at all. However, if there is anything important marriage/CP can give you that a Will won't perhaps consider it for those reasons that are very important to you.

Pensions may be very important if you think money will be an issue when one of you dies.

Mojisola

Spouses/CPs can pass assets between themselves without paying taxes.

There's no inheritance tax between spouses/CPs and they benefit from twice the inheritance tax threshold.

And, if the worst happens, bereavement payments, bereavement allowances, WPA and War Widow(er) Pensions are only paid if you were married or CPs.

minerva_windsong

TonyMMM wrote: »

There is no definition of "Next of Kin" in England/Wales, but being married/CP will potentially stop that being an issue should the need arise.

Likewise NoK status (as there isn't one) is irrelevant in terms of inheritance, but being married/CP will mean automatic inheritance rights if one of you were to die without leaving a will. It can also mean that you have rights to a surviving partner pension, that you may not get otherwise.

As said above, it can be done quickly and cheaply if required.

Thanks for clarifying, and apologies for my mistake.

Just_Passing_Bi

Thanks for all the helpful replies :T

30 years together proves our commitment it's the legality we we're concerned about.

Based on the cost's mentioned above, well within our budget, and now it's something we'll both give serious consideration to how we proceed.