The first same sex weddings in England and Wales took place in March 2014, following the implementation of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013, with almost 1,500 gay and lesbian weddings taking place in the first three months. Although the new law was welcomed by many same-sex couples who had been waiting for it to come into force before tying the knot, those who had entered into a civil partnership because it was the closest thing to marriage before the new legislation came into effect were left feeling a little hard done by. These civil partners, who would have originally preferred to get married, were now in a sort of limbo in which they were still unable to marry because they had opted for civil partnership. To compound matters, they were unable to convert their civil partnerships to marriage.
The wait is almost over
Although the legislation which legalised same-sex marriage did not cater for the conversion of civil partnerships to marriage, it was anticipated that new rules would be created to make this possible before the end of 2014, and the government position on this was confirmed by Equalities Minister Helen Grant back in February 2014. The government has made good on its promise, laying before Parliament new regulations which will provide couples in a civil partnership with the option to convert it to marriage in time for Christmas, from 10th December 2014. Commenting on the development, Minister for Skills and Equalities Nick Boles said “I know how important it is for couples to have the option of marriage available to them. This is the final stage in ensuring every couple has the option to be married.”
Two options
Couples who decide to convert their civil partnership to marriage will have one of two options: either a simple conversion at a local register office (1-stage process), or a conversion with a ceremony at an approved venue (2-stage process). The 1-stage process will cost £45 but this fee will be deducted for couples who formed their civil partnership before 29 March 2014. The 2-stage process will be more expensive but £45 will still be deducted from the total cost for eligible couples.
Understanding all the options
If you would like to know where you stand with the new laws on same sex marriage, it can sometimes help to get bespoke advice from a family law specialist. The team of experienced lawyers at Crisp & Co can explain the subtle differences between civil partnerships and marriage and help you figure out what’s best for you. For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch.