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Your Civil Partnership Dissolution Experts

Dissolution handled properly, by people who understand what you are going through.

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Dissolving a civil partnership is a significant step, and you deserve experienced, sensitive legal support to guide you through it.

At Manak Solicitors, we have supported many couples through the dissolution process, handling every aspect with the care and discretion it requires.

You do not have to face this alone

The end of a civil partnership, whatever the circumstances, brings with it a mix of practical decisions and emotional weight that can feel completely overwhelming. There are legal processes to follow, financial arrangements to resolve, and in some cases children’s lives to consider. Knowing where to start is genuinely difficult, and many people put off getting legal advice simply because they are not sure what the process involves.

Our job is to make that easier. We start by listening carefully to your situation before we advise on anything, and we explain the process in plain language at every stage. We do not assume you already know how dissolution works, and we do not rush you towards decisions before you are ready to make them.

How we can help

The dissolution process

The legal process for dissolving a civil partnership closely mirrors that of divorce, and since 2022 it has operated on a no-fault basis, meaning neither party needs to attribute blame or prove wrongdoing to proceed. We manage the application from start to finish, keeping you informed at each stage and making sure you understand what is happening and why, so the legal process itself does not become an additional source of stress.

Financial settlement

The financial implications of dissolving a civil partnership are treated in exactly the same way as those arising from a divorce. That means the full range of assets, including property, pensions, savings, investments, and business interests, all fall to be considered as part of the settlement. We work to reach an agreement that reflects your individual circumstances and your financial future, not simply one that divides things equally on paper.

Speak to our Financial Settlement Solicitors today.

Child arrangements

Where children are part of the family, their welfare and stability sit at the centre of everything we advise on. Civil partners have the same rights and responsibilities as married couples when it comes to child arrangements, and the legal framework is identical. We help families reach arrangements that work practically for everyone, and we handle the process with the sensitivity these situations demand.

Speak to our Child Custody Lawyers today.

Civil partnership vs marriage

Civil partnerships and marriages carry very similar legal rights and responsibilities in England and Wales, but there are some important differences that can affect how dissolution is handled in practice. The grounds for dissolution differ slightly from those for divorce, and there are areas, particularly around inheritance and pension rights, where the legal position can vary. We make sure you understand exactly where you stand before you make any decisions.

Separation agreements

If you and your partner have separated but are not yet ready to begin the formal dissolution process, a separation agreement can provide important legal protection in the interim. It sets out clearly how finances, property, and any children’s arrangements will be managed during the period of separation, and can help prevent disputes from arising while the longer-term position is resolved. We draft these carefully to make sure they reflect your actual circumstances accurately.

What to know before you take the first step

You do not need to have made any decisions before you call us

Many people delay getting legal advice because they feel they need to know what they want before speaking to a solicitor. You do not. Our first conversation is about helping you understand your situation and your options. Nothing is agreed or committed to at that stage, and there is no pressure to proceed until you are ready.

The dissolution itself and the financial settlement are separate processes

A common misconception is that obtaining the final dissolution order resolves financial matters automatically. It does not. Financial claims between civil partners can be made after the dissolution is finalised unless they are formally settled and recorded in a consent order. Leaving financial matters unresolved, even in an apparently amicable separation, can create significant problems later.

Taking legal advice early gives you more options

The earlier you get advice, the more options you have. Decisions made in the early stages of a separation, including informal financial arrangements and what is communicated between the parties, can affect the outcome of a formal settlement later. A single conversation with one of our solicitors can help you avoid mistakes that are difficult to correct once they have been made.

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What to expect when you work with us

Understanding the process from the outset makes a difficult situation considerably more manageable. Here is how we work through a civil partnership dissolution from your first conversation to a finalised outcome.

A free initial conversation

Your first call with us costs nothing and carries no obligation. We use it to understand your situation properly before we say anything about what we would recommend. You should leave that conversation with a clearer picture of what the process involves, what your options are, and what realistically to expect.

Filing the dissolution application

We prepare and submit the dissolution application on your behalf, whether as a sole or joint application. We handle all of the paperwork and correspondence with the court, keeping you updated at each stage so you always know where the process stands.

Resolving finances and other arrangements

In parallel with the dissolution proceedings, we work to resolve any financial settlement, child arrangements, or other matters that need to be addressed. We always look for a negotiated resolution first, and we are honest with you about when that is realistic and when a different approach is needed.

The conditional and final orders

The dissolution process concludes with two court orders. The conditional order confirms there is no legal reason the dissolution cannot proceed, and the final order legally ends the civil partnership. We manage both applications and explain clearly what each one means and when it is appropriate to apply for it.

Making everything legally binding

Once financial and other arrangements are agreed, we make sure they are properly documented and, where appropriate, approved by the court. A consent order gives both parties certainty and makes the agreement enforceable. We make sure you fully understand what has been agreed before anything is finalised.

Why choose Manak Solicitors for your civil partnership dissolution?

Our family law solicitors have been advising clients on civil partnership dissolution since the Civil Partnership Act came into force, and we have built up considerable experience in an area that not all family law firms handle with the same depth. That matters because, while the process closely mirrors divorce in many respects, there are differences that require a solicitor who understands them rather than simply applying a divorce template to a different legal relationship.

We also understand that same-sex couples can face particular challenges, both practical and personal, that deserve a thoughtful and informed response. We approach every case without assumptions, and we make sure our advice reflects the specific circumstances of the individuals in front of us rather than a generic understanding of the law.

Clients tell us consistently that they felt genuinely supported throughout the process, not just at the key legal milestones. Dissolution cases can take time, and the periods of uncertainty in between can be the hardest to manage. We stay in contact, we respond promptly, and we make sure you always know where things stand.

Manak Solicitors holds Lexcel accreditation, the Law Society’s quality standard for practice management and client care. It is independently verified and covers everything from how we handle your case to how we communicate with you. With offices across Kent and London and flexible remote appointments available, expert advice is accessible wherever you are.

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Local & Accessible

With offices in Sevenoaks, Orpington, Gravesend, London, and Biggin Hill, we are never far away. For those who prefer speed and convenience, our secure online systems- including our trademarked Instant Instruct tool- allow you to begin your case entirely online, without ever compromising on personal service.

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Civil Partnership Dissolution Questions

How is dissolution different from divorce?

The process for dissolving a civil partnership is very similar to divorce in England and Wales. Both now operate on a no-fault basis, both follow the same general court process, and both deal with financial settlement and child arrangements in the same way. The main technical difference is in the legal grounds used, and there are some areas, particularly around historical pension rights and international recognition, where the position can differ. We explain these differences clearly at your first consultation.

How long does dissolution take?

The minimum timeframe under the current process is around six months from the date the application is submitted, as there is a mandatory reflection period built into the process. Cases involving financial disputes or child arrangements can take longer. We give all of our clients a realistic estimate at the outset, based on their specific circumstances.

Can we apply for dissolution jointly?

Yes. Since 2022 it has been possible to make a joint application for dissolution, with both parties applying together rather than one person applying and the other responding. This can make the process smoother where both parties are in agreement. We advise on whether a joint or sole application is more appropriate in your situation.

Will our civil partnership be recognised if we dissolve it abroad?

The international recognition of civil partnerships and their dissolution varies significantly between countries. Some jurisdictions recognise civil partnerships registered in England and Wales; others do not. If you have connections to another country, whether through property, residence, or nationality, this is something we need to consider carefully as part of your case. We advise on the implications and make sure the approach taken protects your position internationally as well as domestically.

What happens to our children during the dissolution process?

The dissolution process itself does not automatically deal with arrangements for children. These are handled separately, either by agreement between the parties or, where agreement cannot be reached, through a child arrangements application to the court. We advise on both at the same time, so that the children’s position is addressed alongside the dissolution rather than left unresolved until after it is finalised.

Do I need a solicitor to dissolve a civil partnership?

You are not legally required to use a solicitor, and it is possible to manage the dissolution application yourself. However, where finances, property, pensions, or children are involved, getting proper legal advice significantly reduces the risk of an outcome that leaves you financially exposed or without proper protection. The cost of getting it wrong is almost always greater than the cost of getting advice from the outset.
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Sevenoaks

01732 207 207

Gravesend

01474 324 529

Manak Solicitors is a trading name of Manak Lawyers Limited registered at Companies’ House in England & Wales Company Number: 09877015

Manak Lawyers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under SRA No. 627738, 628462, 648124 & 8009629.

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