Your Civil Partnership Dissolution Solicitors

This is already a very overwhelming time and knowing where to start can be difficult. Many people put off getting legal advice because they are not sure what the process involves. Our job is to make that easier, starting with us listening carefully to your situation before we advise you on anything.

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 can manage the application from start to finish, keeping you informed at each stage and making sure that you understand what is happening and why.

Financial settlement

The court handles finances in a civil partnership in exactly the same way as a divorce. This means that the full range of assets including property, pensions, savings, investments and businesses, all need to be considered as part of the settlement. Our goal would be to reach an agreement that reflects your individual circumstances and your financial future, not simply one that divides things equally on paper.

Child arrangements

Making child arrangements are rarely simple as it involves two people who are going through one of the most difficult periods in their life, making long-term decisions in the best interests of their children which are relevant today and consider their changing needs as they grow. Getting legal advice early helps you understand the process involved, what a realistic outcome is likely to be and how to approach conversations with the other parent in a way that reduces conflict.

Separation agreements

If you and your partner have separated, but are not ready to begin the formal dissolution process yet, a separation agreement can provide important legal protection in the interim. While they aren’t deemed legally binding by the courts, it can set out clearly how finances, property and child arrangements will be handled during the period of separation and can help prevent conflict while the long-term position is discussed and agreed upon.

Having a strong understanding of the process helps make a difficult situation considerably more manageable. Here’s how we work through a civil partnership dissolution from your first conversation to a finalised outcome.

A free initial conversation 

We always offer our clients a free 10-minute initial consultation, where we speak through what the process involves, what your options are and realistic outcomes based on our situation. This helps you understand more about whether this is the right decision for you.

Filing the dissolution application

We prepare and submit the dissolution application on your behalf, as either a sole or joint application. We’ll handle all the paperwork and correspondence with the court, keeping you updated at every stage.

The conditional and final orders

The dissolution process concludes with two court orders. The conditional order confirms there is no legal reason that the dissolution can’t proceed, and the final order legally ends the civil partnership.

Resolving finances and other arrangements

At the same time as the dissolution proceedings, we can handle any financial settlement, child arrangements or other matters that need to be addressed.

Making everything legally binding

Once all financial and legal arrangements are agreed, we will make sure that they are properly documented and where appropriate, approved by the court. A consent order gives both parties certainty and makes the agreement enforceable.