This information applies to Scotland

If you register as civil partners you will immeditately gain some rights and duties, to be recognised as each other's nearest relative, to inheritance rights and succession to any property, to maintain each other financially and to benefit from each other's pensions if you split up or one of you dies.

If you are claiming benefits you will be treated in the same way as all couples and must claim as a couple.

See also Living together and civil partnership: legal differences.

Other Frequently asked questions about family and personal issues:

• How can I get away from my violent partner?
• Can I change my name back to my maiden name, or to any other name?
• My partner and I have separated and our children are staying with her. What rights do I have to see them?
• I've changed gender - can it be recognised by law?
• At what age can I legally drink alcohol and smoke?
• How do I go about getting a divorce?
• My girlfriend and I have been together for eight years. She's got two children. We've been talking about becoming civil partners. What would be my legal position regarding the children?