Civil partnership dissolution

A civil partnership is a legal union between you and your partner which gives you similar rights and responsibilities to a married couple. In 2004, the Civil Partnership Act, gave same-sex couples the right to enter into a civil partnership.

In 2013, the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act, granted those registered in a civil partnership the ability to convert their partnership to marriage.

How do you dissolve a civil partnership?

In order to dissolve your civil partnership you will need to follow the same process as getting a divorce. The same rules and principles in relation to resolving your financial claims against your partner apply to both married couples and civil partners.

This process involves making either a sole or joint application by issuing a civil partnership petition online (the court fee for doing so is £593), is it is a sole application, the respondent will have 14 days to file an acknowledgement of service.

There is then a 20 week cooling off period before you can apply for a conditional order which confirms you are entitled to end your civil partnership. After this there is another six week and one day waiting period before you can apply for the final order which terminates the civil partnership.

Specialist civil partnership dissolution solicitors

Dissolving a civil partnership can be incredibly complicated as well as emotionally distressing, during this period of time, it’s important to seek the help of a solicitor who can provide expert advice and guidance every step of the way.

Our team of family law solicitors have a wealth of experience in helping individuals and couples dissolve their civil partnership in a way which makes the process as simple and easy as possible.

Get in touch with a member of our team to find out how we could help you.