From 1/12/07 changes made by the MHA 2007 give civil partners equal status to husbands and wives when determining a patient's nearest relative. See s26.

Extract from Explanatory Notes

84. Section 26 amends the list in sections 26 and 27 of the 1983 Act of those persons who may act in the role of NR of a patient, by giving a civil partner equal status to a husband or wife.

Commencement

Date in force	Commencement order	MHA 2007 section	MHA 1983 sections affected
1/12/07	Mental Health Act 2007 (Commencement No. 3) Order 2007	26	s26, s27

Resources

Mental Health Act 2007 Explanatory Notes - page 1