Dissolution of Civil Partnerships

If children are involved, arrangements must prioritise their welfare. We advise on:

• Where children will live and how time will be shared
• Education, holidays, and relocation issues
• Resolving disputes without unnecessary litigation where possible

Our aim is always to maintain stability and continuity for children throughout the dissolution process.

To legally end a civil partnership, you must apply to the court for a Dissolution Order. The process usually starts with one partner (or sometimes both jointly) submitting an Application for Dissolution of Civil Partnership. The application confirms that the partnership has irretrievably broken down — you no longer need to prove fault or unreasonable behaviour under the current law.

We help you prepare and file the application correctly, ensure it is properly served on the other party, and guide you through each stage of the legal process, including the Conditional Order and Final Order that formally ends the civil partnership.

Yes, many couples are able to resolve financial matters without a contested court hearing. Financial issues such as property division, savings, pensions, and ongoing support can often be agreed through solicitor negotiation or mediation.

However, even where agreement is reached, it is very important to formalise it in a Consent Order approved by the court. Without a court-approved financial order, financial claims can remain open indefinitely — even years after dissolution. We ensure any agreement reached is legally binding and protects your long-term financial security.

No. We can only advise one party in a civil partnership dissolution. Each partner must receive independent legal advice to ensure that any financial settlement or arrangement is fair and that there is no conflict of interest.

If both parties need legal support, we can recommend that the other partner instructs their own solicitor so that negotiations can take place constructively and transparently.

The legal dissolution process has built-in stages and waiting periods. In straightforward, uncontested cases, the process typically takes around  9 to 12 months from application to Final Order.

However, the overall timescale can be longer if there are disputes about finances, property, pensions, or arrangements for children. Delays can also occur if financial disclosure takes time or if court timetables are busy. Getting early legal advice and preparing financial information promptly can significantly reduce delays.

The dissolution process itself deals only with ending the civil partnership. Arrangements for children — such as where they live, how much time they spend with each parent, schooling, or holidays — are dealt with separately if needed.

Most parents are able to agree arrangements through discussion or mediation. Where agreement is not possible, the court can make a Child Arrangements Order, always prioritising the child’s welfare. We provide clear, sensitive advice focused on achieving stable and child-focused solutions, and we represent clients in court if necessary.

Financial settlements aim to achieve fairness, taking into account factors such as the length of the partnership, each person’s income and earning capacity, housing needs, pensions, and contributions made during the relationship (including caring for children).

Assets that may be considered include the family home, savings, investments, businesses, and pensions. There is no automatic 50/50 split — outcomes depend on individual circumstances. We provide tailored advice to help you understand what a fair settlement may look like and how best to secure your financial future.

It depends on the type of order made. A Clean Break Order usually prevents future financial claims. However, some orders — such as spousal maintenance — can sometimes be varied if circumstances change significantly (for example, job loss or serious illness).

This is why it is so important to get the settlement right from the outset. We ensure agreements are carefully structured to provide certainty while allowing appropriate flexibility where needed.

Yes. Mediation is often a very effective way to resolve disputes about finances or children without going through lengthy and expensive court proceedings. A trained, neutral mediator helps both parties communicate and explore practical solutions.

Mediation can be faster, less stressful, and more cost-effective than litigation. Any agreement reached can then be turned into a legally binding Consent Order with our assistance. We can advise you alongside mediation to ensure your legal position is protected.

Many dissolution cases are dealt with on paper without either party attending court. Court hearings are more likely if there are disputes about finances or children. Even then, a large number of cases settle before a final hearing. We aim to resolve matters constructively and minimise the need for court attendance wherever possible.

A civil partnership is only legally ended once the court issues the Final Order. It is important not to make major financial decisions, marry or enter a new civil partnership until this order has been granted. We advise on the right timing, particularly where financial matters are still being resolved.