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Solicitors for civil partnership dissolution
We know that the breakdown of any relationship, no matter the circumstances, can be an incredibly difficult and daunting situation to navigate. Whether your relationship has ended amicably or not, separation of any kind brings with it a unique set of complex challenges.
At Stowe Family Law, our experts in the dissolution of civil partnerships will draw upon their years of experience in dealing with cases just like yours. Your civil partnership solicitor will guide you through the entire process with care, empathy and reassurance.
How do you dissolve a civil partnership?
The process of ending a civil partnership is known as dissolution. Before you can apply you must have been in a civil partnership for a year.
Just as people in a civil partnership benefit from the same rights as married couples in terms of tax benefits, pensions and inheritance, ending a civil partnership provides the same entitlements as a spouse who gets divorced.
As with divorce proceedings, dissolving a civil partnership is completed by the court. As part of the process, you can apply for financial provision by way of a lump sum, property transfer, maintenance and pension sharing orders.
There are four key stages in the civil partnership dissolution process:
- Complete a dissolution application as either a sole applicant or as a couple as joint applicants.
- Submit the application to a divorce centre either online or by post with the correct court fee – currently £593.
- Apply for a conditional order (once the application is acknowledged by your partner and after a 20-week cooling-off period).
- Apply for a final order (six weeks after you have the conditional order). This order legally ends your civil partnership.
- However, the act of dissolution itself does not put an end to the financial relationship between you and your partner.
To separate your finances, you must reach a financial settlement, a legally binding decision on how assets and wealth will be split now that your partnership has ended. Arrangements for children will also need to be made if required but these are also dealt with separately from the divorce.
Our experts will be able to guide you through the entire process so you have a clear understanding of what is expected at every stage. We’ll be there to share the burden and give you the support you need.
Civil partnership dissolution services
Our civil partnership dissolution experts are here to help
You don’t have to face the hardship of going through a separation alone. We understand the difficulty and stress that come with the breakdown of a relationship, which is why our civil partnership dissolution solicitors will be by your side to get you through this tough period and work towards a resolution so you can move forward with your life.
We strive to resolve cases as quickly as possible to avoid any unnecessary conflict and tension, and will always put your best interests at the forefront.
Obtaining early legal advice should not be viewed as a declaration of war. It is in fact a vital first step to ensure that you are fully informed of your options and able to have constructive discussions.
Meet our civil partnership dissolution solicitors
Why choose Stowe Family Law for civil partnership dissolution solicitors?
- We’re the UK’s largest national law firm dedicated to family matters and our civil partnership dissolution lawyers have a wealth of experience dealing with sensitive cases just like yours.
- We take a personal approach to every client and treat cases with the respect they deserve. We’ll be by your side to support you every step of the way as you navigate your separation.
- We’re authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and listed in The Legal 500.
- We know complex cases such as the dissolution of a civil partnership can be difficult to comprehend. That’s why we’ll provide you with clear, concise communication throughout the entire legal process.
- We’re incredibly proud of our ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot and of the outstanding service we deliver to our clients time and time again.
- We were named Family Law Firm of the Year by the Hampshire Law Society in 2023 and we’ve also been nominated for several national awards.
- You’ll find a range of guides and resources in our support section on topics such as dissolution, divorce and separation.
Civil partnership dissolution FAQs
Civil partnership dissolution FAQs
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How much does it cost to dissolve a civil partnership?
The initial court fee to begin the proceeding of the dissolution of your civil partnership currently costs £593 . You and your partner will need to come to an agreement on who will cover this cost.
If you choose to work with a specialist civil partnership solicitor to help with the dissolution, there will be additional legal costs to cover for their services. The amount that you’ll have to pay will depend on how much work is required on your case but we’ll ensure you have a clear picture of what you’ll be expected to pay throughout the entire process.
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What effect does the dissolution of a civil partnership have on a will?
Unlike other life events such as a marriage, going through a divorce or dissolution does not make your will invalid. Instead, once you and your partner have separated and your civil partnership has been dissolved, your former spouse will be disregarded from your will.
Due to the effect of the S18A and S18C Wills Act 1837, your former partner will be treated as if they had died on the date of your dissolution, meaning that they are unable to act as an executor on your estate and will be legally removed from your will.
Once your civil partnership has ended, it’s advised that you update your will as soon as possible. This is particularly important if you only had your former spouse as the singular executor for your estate, as you will need to make alternative arrangements for who you would like to inherit your estate in the future.
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How quickly can you dissolve a civil partnership?
How quickly your civil partnership can be dissolved will depend entirely on how your case progresses and whether you and your former partner can come to an agreement on the process of your dissolution.
If both parties are in agreement on the terms of the dissolution and all documentation has been completed, then a dissolution normally takes anywhere between four to six months.
If you and your partner are unable to reach an agreement during the dissolution process, this could considerably delay proceedings. This commonly happens when disagreements arise surrounding the division of financial assets in the wake of a separation.
You may need to attain a financial settlement order to protect your finances by ensuring your former partner cannot claim a portion of your assets in the future.
Your civil partnership dissolution may also take longer if your partner does not consent to the end of your relationship. If your partner contests your decision to end your civil partnership, you could find yourself faced with multiple court hearings which would delay the proceeding even further.
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Is dissolution the same as divorce?
The term divorce is often used to describe the breakdown of a legally binding relationship but, when it comes to civil partnerships, this route of legal separation is known as a dissolution.
Both divorce and dissolution follow very similar legal processes. In both instances, the relationship must have been legally recognised for at least a year before you can apply for your separation.
The initial court fees are also the same for a divorce or dissolution, currently £593. However, in both instances, if you decide to have legal representation throughout the proceedings, there will be additional fees to pay.
Once the divorce or dissolution process has reached its end, you’ll be required to obtain a final order which will officially end your relationship in the eyes of the law.
Where are our family law solicitors based?
Find your nearest office
Bishop’s Stortford
The Residence Coworking, New Mead Barn, Wickham Hall, Hadham Rd
Bishop's Stortford
CM23 1JG
Bournemouth
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Christchurch
BH23 6NX
Colchester
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Colchester
CO4 3ZQ
High Wycombe
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High Wycombe
HP11 1JU
Newcastle
Wizu Workspace - Portland House, New Bridge St W
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 8AL
Norwich
Regus - Norwich Stannard Place, Cavell House & Austin House, Stannard Place, St Crispins Rd
Norwich
NR3 1YE
Oxford
Suite 22, 1600 Oxford House, Pure Offices Ltd, Parkway Court, John Smith Dr
Oxford
OX4 2JY
Plymouth
4th Floor, Sutton Harbour, 6 North East Quay Salt Quay House
Plymouth
PL4 0HP
St Albans
Regus - St. Albans Victoria Square, Fountain Court, 2 Victoria Square
St Albans
AL1 3TF
Stony Stratford
The Old Court House, 19 Market Square, Stony Stratford
Milton Keynes
MK11 1BE
Sunderland
Regus - Sunderland, Doxford International Business Park, 4 Admiral Way
Sunderland
SR3 3XW
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