... of the Civil Partnership Bill
CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS
Same-sex partners will be able to to avail of marriage-like benefits in a range of areas such as property, social welfare, succession, maintenance, pensions and tax.
No formal date has been set for when civil partnerships will be available, although Government officials expect the first formal civil unions next year.
Prospective partners will be required to provide three months' notice of a civil partnership. Ceremonies may take place in civil registry offices or other approved settings.
The legislation will also provide for recognition of civil partnerships, or their equivalents, from other countries.
COHABITING COUPLES
A redress scheme will be available for same sex or opposite sex cohabiting couples who have been living together for five years or more.
It will allow for a "financially dependent" cohabitant to apply to court for redress such as a share in property, a lump sum, periodic payments or a share in the other person's pension.
If the relationship ends through death, the surviving cohabitant can make a claim on the estate.
For those who want to opt out of the redress scheme, couples must register a "cohabitant agreement" which regulates the shared financial affairs of the couples.