As of the 5th December 2005, couples can begin to register at the Registrars office, with the first Civil Partnerships taking place on the 21st December 2005. Couples considering a Civil Partnership (a new legally recognised term for married gay and lesbian couples) must adhere to the following requirements:

• Same sex couples must not be married or already be a civil partner
• Parental consent is needed if between the ages of 16 and 18
• 15 days prior notice of proposed civil partnerships must be given to the Registration Authority
• You will be required to sign a document in the presence of a registration officer and two witnesses

The Civil Partnership Act applies to all residents within the UK and Northern Ireland. Registering under this Act will offer gay and lesbian couples similar legal benefits as heterosexual married couples. For further details on registering, contact your local council or registry office, or visit: www.gro.gov.uk. After you have legally registered your partnership, you will be known as "Civil Partners". There is no stipulation that you automatically take your partner's surname, so if you would like to change your last name you will need to make changes by deed poll. For further information, please visit www.stonewall.org.uk.

Contact Delyse at corestar11@aol.com