Towards the end of last week, the government confirmed the date for when same-sex couples within a civil-partnership, in England and Wales, will be able to convert their partnership into a marriage.
Since the end of March this year, with the introduction of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013, same-sex couples in England and Wales have legally been able to get married; and it has been widely expected that those who entered into a civil-partnership over the last ten years would be able to convert their partnership into a marriage.
On Friday (June 27th) the Equalities Minister, confirmed that from December 10th 2014, those within a civil-partnership can legally covert the partnership into a marriage; adding that the process will be simple and straightforward.
According to the minister, to convert a civil-partnership, all the couple will be required to do is for both parties to attend the register office and sign, in-front of the superintendent register, a declaration which confirms they both wish to convert their civil-partnership into a marriage.
However, whilst the Equalities Minister has confirmed the date for when civil-partnerships in England and Wales can be converted into a marriage; the government also confirmed that heterosexual couples will not legally be able to have a civil-partnership.
Previously, there have been calls for the Coalition’s equal marriage plans to include civil partnerships for heterosexual couples; yet following a consultation which closed in April, it has been revealed that only same-sex couples will be able to enter into civil partnerships.
For those same-sex couples who wish to discuss marriage, or those who are going through the dissolution of their civil partnership, our family law solicitors in Lincoln will be able to assist.
To find out how we can help you, contact our solicitors today.