Who can enter into a civil partnership?

A civil partnership is available to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples who are aged 18 or over. Neither person can already be married or a civil partner.

Once entered, civil partners will receive a range of legal rights and protections similar to those enjoyed by married couples.

A civil partnership offers individuals a far more secure legal framework than unmarried cohabiting couples  – especially in cases of separation, property disputes and death.