May 23, 2011

Civil Partnerships In The UK Explained

Civil Partnerships In The UK Explained

Many religions believe that one of the basic purposes of marriage is reproduction, and; therefore, marriage should be an institution strictly for heterosexual couples. However, for same-sex couples, reproduction is simply not possible without outside assistance or adoption. Therefore, many countries created the option of civil partnerships or gay weddings for people of the same sex who wanted to register as partners to one another. Just like regular marriages, these partnerships only cease upon death, annulment or dissolution.

In the year 2005, the United Kingdom passed the UK Civil Partnerships Act, allowing same-sex couples to register legally as partners. With the passing of this act, these couples were then given the same recognition, responsibilities and rights as married, heterosexual couples.

When same-sex couples become civil partners, their relationships are much like that of a husband and wife in the eyes of the law. What this means, is that civil partners benefit from all of the same laws as do married people when it comes to such things as pensions, inheritances, jobs, medical insurance, life insurance and taxes. Civil partners must provide for their partners just as married couples do, as well.

The Civil Partnership Act also allows these couples to claim compensation in case their partner is ever injured fatally. The act also offers support to civil partners against domestic violence just as married couples have protection in the same respect. If there are children involved, the act gives one partner in a civil partnership the right to parental responsibility of the child just like a heterosexual step-parent.

According to the law, civil partnerships are just as serious of a commitment as marriage, and should only be entered into if the couple is truly devoted to each other. To help couples ensure their financial security, the Civil Partnership Act allows civil partners to create pre-civil, partnership agreements that are similar to prenuptial agreements.

If civil partners decide they want to break up, the process of ending the partnership is much like getting a divorce. Civil partners must have grounds for dissolutions such as two-year separations, desertions or incompatibility. Without grounds, the court will not grant them dissolution. However, much like divorces, if the courts do grant them dissolution, both partners can then obtain another civil partnership if they wish.

In conclusion, The Civil Partnership Act, passed by the United Kingdom in the year 2005, allowed same-sex couples to register themselves as civil partners through gay weddings. The act gave these couples, who become civil partners, all of the same rights and responsibilities of married persons. Civil partners even have the same rights to parental responsibilities of their partner’s children just like heterosexual step-parents. Today, according to the law, the relationships of civil partners are just as serious of a commitment as is marriage. The Partners must have valid grounds for dissolution just as in a divorce to dissolve a civil relationship.

Gay wedding insurance is available from many leading UK wedding insurance companies including gayweddinginsurance.co.uk operated by Blue Insurances Ltd with prices stating at £19.99 and cover up to £40,000. E&L offer Civil Partnership Insurance with cover up to £50,000 and Wedding Plan gold will cover a £10,000 ceremony for only £35.00.

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