10(1)Sub-paragraph (2) applies if—E+W
(a)a child and another person intend to register as civil partners of each other under the special procedure, and
(b)the Registrar General is satisfied that the consent of a person (“A”) whose consent is required cannot be obtained because A is absent, inaccessible, or under a disability.
(2)If this sub-paragraph applies—
(a)the Registrar General may dispense with the need for A’s consent (whether or not there is any other person whose consent is also required), or
(b)the court may, on application being made, consent to the child registering as the civil partner of the person mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(a).
(3)The consent of the court under sub-paragraph (2)(b) has the same effect as if it had been given by A.
(4)Sub-paragraph (5) applies if—
(a)a child and another person intend to register as civil partners of each other under the special procedure, and
(b)any person whose consent is required refuses his consent.
(5)The court may, on application being made, consent to the child registering as the civil partner of the person mentioned in sub-paragraph (4)(a).
(6)The consent of the court under sub-paragraph (5) has the same effect as if it had been given by the person who has refused his consent.