Overview

This bill aims to ensure equal succession rights for women to hereditary peerages and titles in the UK, and to grant courtesy titles ("The Honourable") to husbands and civil partners of individuals holding certain titles, mirroring the existing practice for wives.

Description

The core of the bill centers on amending the rules of succession for hereditary peerages and titles. It allows female heirs to inherit provided they are over 21 and can prove they are the eldest surviving legitimate child. The incumbent (current title holder) must petition the Lord Chancellor, who will review any objections from other legitimate children within a three-month period. The Lord Chancellor's decision is final. The bill also clarifies the rights and privileges for women inheriting these titles, ensuring they have the same rights as men in the House of Lords and regarding associated property.

Succession Process

The process involves a petition by the incumbent to the Lord Chancellor, followed by a period for objections. The Lord Chancellor will then issue a certificate confirming the succession or uphold an objection. The bill clarifies that women inheriting titles will have equal rights to those of male heirs.

Courtesy Titles

The bill extends the courtesy title "The Honourable" to husbands and civil partners of peers, baronets, baronetesses, knights, and dames, equalizing the treatment of spouses irrespective of gender or marital status.

Special Remainders

The bill includes a provision allowing the current title holder to request a "special remainder," overriding the usual succession to the eldest child and designating the eldest son as the heir. However, this option is only available at the time the bill passes.

Government Spending

The bill is unlikely to have a significant impact on government spending as it primarily changes legal processes and does not involve direct financial outlay. The administrative costs associated with processing petitions and objections by the Lord Chancellor's office are minimal.

Groups Affected

• Female heirs to hereditary titles: This bill grants them equal rights of succession.
• Husbands and civil partners of title holders: They gain entitlement to the courtesy title "The Honourable".
• Incumbents of hereditary titles: They must follow the new procedure to ensure female succession.
• Other legitimate children of incumbents: They have the right to object to proposed female succession.
• The House of Lords: Will see increased female representation among hereditary peers.

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