Civil Partnership Dissolution Solicitors
Ending a civil partnership can feel overwhelming, particularly when finances or children are involved.
As with divorce, dissolving a civil partnership involves a formal legal process, and specialist advice can help you understand your rights and options. Our civil partnership dissolution solicitors provide clear guidance from your initial consultation through to the final order.
Our Civil Partnership Dissolution Services
With over 200 years of experience helping families through relationship breakdown, our specialist family law solicitors offer advice tailored to your circumstances. Choosing the right legal support matters, so if you're weighing up your options, our guide on how to spot a solicitor you can trust explains what to look for.
- Applying for a dissolution order, sole or joint: Guidance through the application process from start to finish
- Responding to an application from your civil partner: Clear advice on your rights and the steps you need to take
- Financial settlements and financial orders: Expert advice on dividing finances and securing a legally binding agreement
- Property and the family home: Practical advice on ownership, selling or transferring the family home
- Pension sharing: Advice on your pension rights and how pensions may form part of your settlement
- Child arrangements: Support with agreeing practical arrangements that put your children first
- Separation orders and nullity (annulment): Advice on alternatives to dissolution and the most suitable route for you
What Are the Grounds for Civil Partnership Dissolution?
Since the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 came into force in April 2022, dissolution has been 'no-fault'. You only need to state that the partnership has irretrievably broken down. A signed statement is enough.
You can only apply once you've been in your civil partnership for at least one year. After applying, there's a 20-week reflection period before you can apply for a conditional order, then a further six weeks and one day before the final order.
How to End a Civil Partnership
You can apply for a civil partnership dissolution as either a sole applicant or jointly with your civil partner. Applying solely or jointly makes little difference to the timescale or overall process. To start the process, you can apply online through GOV.UK or by paper form. You also need to pay a court fee, which is currently £612. It normally takes at least six months.
Sorting Out Finances and Children
Dissolving a civil partnership does not automatically resolve your finances or arrangements for your children. Our civil partnership dissolution solicitors can advise on these issues.
Financial orders and the family home
We can advise on financial orders covering property, savings, pensions, maintenance and debts, including whether a clean break is appropriate.
We can also advise on the family home, including selling, transferring or remaining in the property. Read more about moving out of the family home and what happens when family negotiations break down.
Arrangements for children
Parental responsibility does not change when a civil partnership ends. Our child law services cover arrangements for where children live and time spent with each parent, as well as holidays, schooling and child maintenance. Where needed, we can also advise on child arrangements orders.
Find out more about co-parenting after a relationship breaks down.
Get in Touch
For expert advice and support, get in touch with our civil partnership dissolution solicitors to discuss your circumstances and find out how we can help.
Civil Partnership Dissolution Solicitors FAQs
What is civil partnership dissolution?
Civil partnership dissolution is the legal process of ending a civil partnership through a court order.
How long does civil partnership dissolution take?
At least 26 weeks for the dissolution itself, and often longer when finances are involved.
Is civil partnership dissolution the same as divorce?
Civil partnership dissolution is broadly similar to divorce, with both processes legally ending a relationship. However, there are some differences in the legal terminology and procedure. A solicitor at Bell Lamb & Joynson can explain how the process applies to your circumstances.
When should I contact a civil partnership dissolution solicitor?
We recommend speaking to a solicitor as early as possible so you understand your position before making big decisions. Having early expert advice can also put you in a stronger position for negotiation.
Do I need a solicitor to dissolve a civil partnership?
No, but legal advice protects your finances and helps you avoid costly mistakes, especially around when to apply for the final order
Can my civil partner stop the dissolution?
Only on narrow grounds such as jurisdiction or validity. They cannot refuse simply because they disagree.
Do we have to go to court?
Usually not. Most applications are handled online or by post. Court hearings are usually only needed if finances or children are disputed. Even an agreed financial settlement must be approved by the court, though this is normally done on paper.
Can I get a clean break order after civil partnership dissolution?
Yes. A clean break order can be made as part of dissolving your civil partnership. It ends the financial ties between you and your former partner, so neither of you can make future claims against the other's income, property, pensions or other assets.
Can opposite-sex couples dissolve a civil partnership?
Yes. The same process applies to all civil partners.