A civil partnership is a legally recognized relationship between two people, similar to marriage, that provides many of the same legal rights and responsibilities. It was introduced to offer same-sex couples a way to formalize their relationship and gain access to benefits such as tax breaks, inheritance rights, and health care decisions. Civil partnerships can be formed by couples regardless of gender in some countries, allowing them to register their commitment without the traditional marriage ceremony. The process typically involves signing a legal document in front of witnesses, and the partnership can be dissolved through a legal process similar to divorce.