Section 16: Frivolous objections and representations and appeals: liability for costs etc.

Civil Partnership Act 2004 · 2004 c. 33View on legislation.gov.uk

Part 2: Civil partnership: England and Wales — Chapter 1: Registration

Subsection (3) applies if—

a person objects to the issue of a civil partnership schedule, but
the Registrar General declares that the grounds on which the objection is made are frivolous and ought not to obstruct the issue of the civil partnership schedule.

Subsection (3) also applies if—

in reliance on section 14(3), the registration authority refuses to issue a civil partnership schedule as a result of a representation made to it, and
on an appeal under section 15 against the refusal, the Registrar General declares that the representation is frivolous and ought not to obstruct the issue of the civil partnership schedule.

The person who made the objection or representation is liable for—

the costs of the proceedings before the Registrar General, and
damages recoverable by the proposed civil partner to whom the objection or representation relates.

If—

in reliance on section 14A, a registration authority refuses to issue a civil partnership schedule, and
on an appeal against the refusal, the Registrar General declares that the appeal is frivolous,

the person making the appeal is liable for the costs of the proceedings before the Registrar General.

For the purpose of enabling any person to recover any costs and damages in accordance with subsection (3) or (3A), a copy of a declaration of the Registrar General purporting to be sealed with the seal of the General Register Office is evidence that the Registrar General has made the declaration.

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Reuse reviewed 21 August 2026 under Open Government Licence v3.0.