Civil Partnership Dissolution

Sometimes, relationships don’t always work out, and it can become stressful and frustrating trying to sort out the things you both shared. Finances, property and even arrangements relating to your children are many aspects to think about if you decide to end your relationship. But how does it work if you and your partner are in a civil partnership?

A civil partnership dissolution is when your civil partnership ends.  While you have similar rights and benefits to those who are together through marriage, there are some differences to be aware of.

We understand that matters like these need to be handled with care and consideration, especially when children are involved, which is why Farleys’ family law solicitors are here to help you with legal advice and support as you navigate this tough time.

What is a civil partnership dissolution?

A civil partnership dissolution is the legal termination of a civil partnership, which is a legally recognised relationship between two people (same or opposite-sex).

How do you dissolve a civil partnership?

You can dissolve your civil partnership online or by post, both costing a fee. An application can be made by you and your partner, or just you. A sole application is usually done if your partner doesn’t agree to end the partnership or they’re uncooperative.

The process takes around six months to complete. Our solicitors can help you with any queries you have, eliminating any confusing jargon, with the aim of easing your worries and concerns.

• Once you’ve applied online, it’ll be acknowledged. There will be a 20-week period which is there to ensure you’ve made the right decision and give you ample time to reflect on your decision.
• After this period, you can apply for a ‘Conditional Order’. This is to say that the Court doesn’t see any reason as to why your partnership can’t be dissolved.
• A further six-week period follows.
• You’ll then need to apply for a ‘Final Order’. This is what will legally end your partnership.

When might a civil partnership be dissolved?

Relationships go through twists and turns, but sometimes they become irreparable. If you’re considering dissolving your civil partnership, you’ll need to consider a few things first.

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, which was implemented in 2022, saw a ‘no-fault’ approach introduced, which meant that you no longer need to state a reason as to why you want to dissolve your partnership.

Now, you can dissolve a civil partnership if the relationship has broken down – you don’t need to say why and neither does your partner if this is a mutual dissolution, but you must state that the partnership is beyond repair.

It’s worth noting however that you must have been in the civil partnership for at least a year, and you can make a joint or sole application.

How to deal with shared assets after a civil partnership dissolution

Finances

When you’re dissolving your civil partnership, you’ll need to think about what happens to your assets. How will they be divided? If you’re unsure, we’re here to guide you through it. A Court doesn’t tend to do this for you, so you’ll need to come to an agreement between you and your partner or make a separate application. You’ll want to think about the following:

• Property – did you share a property together? Mortgages and other properties, if there’s more than one, will need to be reviewed.
• Pensions – if you shared a pension, this would need to be considered, or offsetting could be another option.
• Savings – any shared bank accounts, stocks and ISAs may need to be divided.
• Debt – joint debts will need to be accounted for.
• Maintenance – sometimes, one partner will require maintenance support from the other, so this should be discussed when deciding on your financial settlement.

Children

It can be difficult when children are involved during a relationship breakdown, as you’ll want to try and avoid as much conflict as possible. If you have children together, their wellbeing and needs will be a top priority for you and for the Court. Think about:

• Where your children will live and with whom. How will their time be split between you and your partner?
• Any payments that go towards child maintenance.
• Decision making and parental responsibility.
• Other important factors like where the child will go to school, any medical needs and decisions and holidays abroad.

In ideal circumstances, you’ll be able to come to an amicable agreement with your partner without the need for Court intervention, which can then be formalised via a plan or consent order. However, in some cases Court is necessary and can help with finalising a Child Arrangement Order.

If you need assistance in making these kinds of decisions, or you can’t reach an agreement with your partner, our family law solicitors can be on hand to help. We can guide you through certain processes and advise on decisions.

Why choose Farleys for your civil dissolution?

With over 200 years of experience as a team, we are known for providing quality services to clients, taking your matters into our hands and helping you to deal with them efficiently and sensitively. We know how important family matters can be, and with civil partnership dissolutions, you most likely want to get back to living your life without stressing about finances, assets and other related aspects.

We’ve been recognised in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, and our specialist family law team are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to aid in your civil partnership dissolution. We’re here to be by your side in a potentially stressful situation like this. Whether you’re in the early stages or you want some solid legal advice further down the line, we can be there to support you with care and compassion.