Dissolving a civil partnership is very similar to the process of divorce but it is called Civil partnership dissolution.
To end or dissolve a civil partnership, one party will need to apply to a court for a civil partnership dissolution order. In order to apply, the civil partnership ceremony must have been at least one year ago.
Because the process for dissolving a civil partnership is very similar to that of divorce, you can find more information about how it works on our divorce page.
It is important to remember that even when the final order dissolving the civil partnership is received, this does not resolve any financial commitments between the couple. In order to sever any financial ties, you will need an additional order from the court which specifically deals with this. If no order is obtained, then both parties to the civil partnership will remain financially linked, despite the dissolution.
Finances can often be the biggest cause of conflict between ex-partners. However, there are several different processes which can be used to help former spouses come to an agreement without having to go to court; they are:
We always encourage our clients to use one of these methods to reach an amicable agreement with their ex-partner where possible. However, if an agreement can’t be reached using one of these voluntary methods, you will need to make an application to the court. We can do this on your behalf and we will support you throughout the process.
Contact our family team for an initial consultation on 01732 747900 or [email protected]
Civil partnership dissolution is the legal process which ends a registered partnership between two individuals. It is similar to divorce but specifically applies to civil partnerships.
Divorce and dissolution are both ways to end a legally binding relationship, but they are used for different types of relationships. Divorce is used for legally married couples, while dissolution is used for civil partnerships.
This can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the cooperation of the parties involved, but most often it will be dependent upon the caseload of the court. It normally takes around 6-9 months.
The steps typically involve filing a dissolution petition and serving the other partner with the necessary documents. After 20 weeks we can then apply for the conditional order and in a further 6 weeks and a day, the final dissolution order. Alongside this, we can also look at resolving any financial matters by preparing and exchange your financial disclosure and enter into negotiations. If mediation is appropriate then this can be done alongside the application for dissolution.
Yes, civil partnership dissolution can be amicable if both parties agree on the terms and are willing to work together. Mediation or collaborative law approaches can be used to reach mutually satisfactory agreements where you and your spouse drive the discussions and work together with the assistance and support of family law professionals.
The welfare of any children will always be the paramount consideration, but other factors such as the length of the partnership, financial contributions, future earning potential, and the ages and health of the parties are considered when dividing assets and determining financial settlements.
Child custody – now known as child arrangements – decisions are made based on the best interests of the child. Factors such as the child’s well-being, parental involvement, and ability to provide a stable environment are considered. Each family is different and therefore it will be important to seek tailored advice about your own unique set of circumstances.
Yes, if both partners can reach an agreement on all aspects of the dissolution, including property division and arrangements for the children, it may be possible to finalise the dissolution without going to court.
You can search for solicitors or family law specialists who have experience in civil partnership dissolution. Seek recommendations from trusted sources or use online directories.
