Civil Partnership Dissolution Solicitors

Applying for a civil partnership dissolution is a life-changing decision, with numerous legal and practical considerations to make.

No matter how amicable your separation from your civil partner may be, it is important that you take the time to agree on how best to move forward with your life. Depending on your circumstances, this will likely include making important decisions regarding your finances, property and children.

At Tanners Solicitors, our civil partnership dissolution solicitors can support you with the full dissolution process, ensuring that you understand exactly what steps need to be taken whilst also protecting your interests where arrangements need to be made in respect of complex finances or your children.

To speak to one of our civil partnership dissolution solicitors, please contact us for an initial consultation.

We have legal offices in Cirencester, Cheltenham and London. Call us today on 01285 659061 or fill in our online enquiry form.

How we can help with civil partnership dissolution

Civil partnership dissolution proceedings

The general process for applying for a civil partnership has been streamlined after the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 was brought into effect. The new rules stipulate that you are able to make an application for a Dissolution Order without having to rely on a ‘fact’ to prove the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship. It is no longer necessary to blame the other party in dissolution proceedings.

Our civil partnership dissolution solicitors can guide you through the entire process of making a civil partnership dissolution application. Our team can ensure that all of the relevant paperwork is correctly and efficiently filed in order that everything can proceed as quickly as possible.

Civil partnership dissolution settlement

Making the decision to dissolve your civil partnership will also mean that you will need to make suitable arrangements for the division of your finances. This can often prove to be one of the most challenging aspects of a civil partnership dissolution, especially where you have significant shared assets that need to be distributed between you and your former partner.

We can work alongside you to help agree a suitable financial settlement following a civil partnership dissolution, including engaging in negotiations with your former partner to reach a settlement where there are certain disagreements.

Civil partnership dissolution child arrangements

Making arrangements for your children following civil partnership dissolution can be an incredibly contentious issue. Both parties will, hopefully, want what is best for their children, but they may also want to enforce their rights as a parent. Without the right legal advice, this could present several complications.

Our civil partnership dissolution solicitors will work to negotiate an agreement that provides a stable environment for your children, whilst also keeping any potential conflict with your former partner to a minimum.

If it is not possible to come to an agreement for your child, we can work with you to apply for a court order to make any arrangements legally binding on both parties. This is typically referred to as a Child Arrangements Order.

Why choose Tanners’ civil partnership solicitors?

At Tanners, our civil partnership solicitors have many years of experience in helping families to deal with the legal issues stemming from relationship breakdown. As such, we can provide the empathetic and practical support you need to handle these matters as smoothly as possible.

David Milburn, the lead partner in our family law team, is described by The Legal 500 as "A highly astute divorce lawyer who takes charge of cases and ensures that they are kept moving with purpose, ultimately delivering very satisfying conclusions" and "A great tactician".

The other partner in the family law team, Meg Moss is noted by Chambers, who have said: "Meg Moss is absolutely excellent. She is extremely professional, always up to date, and knows cases inside out."

Our other highly rated solicitor is Satya Bagga. She has expertise in a wide range of matters, with particular expertise in complex children matters.

What is civil partnership dissolution?

A civil partnership is a legal relationship which is alternative to marriage. While married couples will apply for a ‘divorce’ to formally end their relationship, civil partners apply to ‘dissolve’ their relationship via a Dissolution Order.

The Dissolution Order confirms that the civil partnership can be dissolved on the grounds that the relationship has broken down irretrievably.

What are the grounds for civil partnership dissolution?

Previously, to make an application for a civil partnership dissolution, it was necessary to rely on one of five reasons to prove the sole ground for divorce – irretrievable breakdown. These reasons included:

Separation for two years with consent
Separation for five years without consent
Desertion of two or more years
Unreasonable behaviour

However, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 changed this in England and Wales. The Act, which brought about ‘no fault divorce and separations’, removed the requirement to rely on a reason to prove the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship.

It is now possible to make an application without having to provide a reason or to apportion blame. A statement of irretrievable breakdown is now considered to be sufficient, with no further evidence being required.

What is a Civil Partnership Dissolution Order?

A Civil Partnership Dissolution Order is the legal document that terminates the civil partnership.

How long does it take to dissolve a civil partnership?

The time it takes for the dissolution of a civil partnership to take place will largely depend on the circumstances of the case and whether it is possible to come to a swift agreement with your former partner.

Typically, if there are no complications, it will normally take at least six months for a civil partnership to finalise.

If there are disagreements over the way finances should be divided, or what arrangements should be made for children, then it can be assumed that it will take longer for proceedings to conclude.

How do civil partnerships differ from marriage?

Couples who are in a civil partnership will have the same legal rights and duties as those who are in a lawful marriage.

The primary difference between the two relationships is that marriage traditionally has religious and patriarchal connotations. Marriage is formed by vows and can be performed as a religious ceremony, whereas a civil partnership is simply formed by signing a certificate.

Practically speaking, both legal unions are fundamentally treated as the same and offer the same benefits, rights and obligations.

How do I apply for a civil partnership dissolution?

It is possible to make a civil partnership dissolution application online or by post. You can only make an application if you have been in a civil partnership for over a year.

After you make the initial application, you will then be able to apply for a Conditional Order. This is a document that confirms the court sees no reason why you cannot end your civil partnership.

Once this has been issued, you can then apply for a Final Order. This is the legal document that ends the civil partnership.