Marriage and civil partnership

All couples, whether same or different sex couples, can legally marry or form a civil partnership.

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Some of the terminology and definitions used in this glossary relate to subject matter that may be upsetting or triggering for some people.

Civil partnership

If couples form a civil partnership they have the legal status of civil partner. This brings with it a range of legal rights and equal treatment for things such as tax, benefits, pensions, parenting responsibilities etc.¹³⁷ Legislation concerning marriage for same sex couples varies from country to country.

¹³⁷Derbyshire Council - E&D Glossary

Dependants

A person’s spouse, child or parent, or anyone who lives in the same household, it does not include tenants, lodgers, boarders or employees.¹³⁸

¹³⁸University of St Andrew - EIA Toolkit

Marriage

A legal and often, but not always, religious union between two people.