Legal Advice from Waely Law
The dissolution of a civil partnership legally ends a registered partnership, similar to how a divorce ends a marriage. At Waely Law, our experienced family law solicitors provide clear, supportive, and expert legal advice to guide you through the civil partnership dissolution process. Whether your separation is amicable or contested, we ensure your financial interests and parental rights are protected.
A civil partnership dissolution is the legal process of formally ending a civil partnership. Unlike separation, dissolution provides legal finality, meaning both partners are free to enter into a new partnership or marriage in the future.
To apply for a dissolution, you must meet the following conditions:
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The partnership must have lasted for at least one year.
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You must confirm the relationship has irretrievably broken down.
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A formal application must be submitted to the court.
Once granted, the final order (previously known as the dissolution order) legally ends the civil partnership.
Under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, there is no longer a need to prove fault or wrongdoing. Instead, either partner (or both together) can apply for a civil partnership dissolution by simply stating that the relationship has irretrievably broken down.
This modernised approach removes unnecessary conflict and allows couples to focus on resolving practical matters such as financial settlements and child arrangements.
The process for dissolution is straightforward and follows these key steps:
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Filing the Application
A sole or joint application is submitted to the court.
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Acknowledgment of Service
The other partner confirms receipt and agreement to proceed.
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Conditional Order
The court reviews and grants preliminary approval.
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Final Order
The civil partnership is legally dissolved.
The final order can be obtained six weeks after the conditional order, but resolving financial and child arrangements may extend the overall timeframe.
A civil partnership dissolution does not automatically resolve financial matters. It is crucial to secure a legally binding financial settlement to protect your assets and financial future.
Our solicitors assist with:
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Consent Orders
Agreements on financial division, making them legally binding.
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Property Adjustment Orders
Determining property ownership and occupation rights.
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Pension Sharing Orders
Ensuring fair distribution of pension assets.
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Spousal Maintenance
Securing ongoing financial support where necessary.
Without a financial order, financial claims can remain open indefinitely, even after dissolution.
If children are involved, it is essential to establish child arrangements to ensure their best interests are met. Our solicitors can help with:
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Child Arrangements Orders
Establishing where the child will live and contact schedules.
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Parental Responsibility
Ensuring both partners have legal rights and responsibilities.
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Relocation Cases
Assisting with moving abroad or to a different region with a child.
Where possible, we encourage mediation to reach amicable agreements, but we also provide strong court representation when necessary.
The dissolution of a civil partnership typically takes six to eight months, depending on court processing times and the complexity of financial and child arrangements. The process may take longer if disputes arise.
✔ Expert Family Law Solicitors – Specialising exclusively in family law.
✔ Client-Focused Approach – Tailored advice to suit your unique situation.
✔ Transparent Pricing – Fixed-fee options available for peace of mind.
✔ Strong Court Representation – Protecting your rights and interests throughout the process.
The standard court fee for a civil partnership dissolution is £593 (as of 2024). Additional solicitor fees apply if legal representation is needed, particularly for complex financial and child arrangement cases.
While you can apply for dissolution without a solicitor, legal advice is recommended – especially if financial or child arrangements are involved. A solicitor ensures that agreements are legally binding, preventing future disputes.
Under the no-fault system, your partner cannot stop the process unless they dispute the validity of the civil partnership itself. If they do not engage with the process, you may proceed with a sole application.
Yes. Without a legally binding financial order, financial claims remain open, meaning your former partner could make a claim in the future. We strongly advise securing a consent order to protect your assets.
Property division depends on individual circumstances. The court considers factors such as financial contributions, children’s needs, and future earning potential. We assist in negotiating fair property settlements and obtaining necessary court orders.
At Waely Law, we make the legal process clear, efficient, and stress-free. Here’s what you can expect when you reach out to us:
GOV.UK: Ending a Civil Partnership
This official UK government resource explains the legal process for civil partnership dissolution, eligibility criteria, court fees, and required application forms.The Law Society: Civil Partnership Dissolution
This page provides expert legal guidance on dissolution, financial settlements, and child arrangements, helping you understand your legal rights and options.
