Dissolution of civil partnerships

As with the end of any relationship, deciding to dissolve a civil partnership can be a highly emotional and stressful time. Although marriages and civil partnerships are legally different, the breakdown of these relationships can be disheartening and confusing.

If you find yourself in this situation, our friendly team of solicitors can help to guide you through the process to secure the outcome you need.

The process of dissolution of civil partnerships

Like marriage and divorce, the dissolution of civil partnerships takes place through the courts. There are several steps before a dissolution is finalised.

If everything is agreed and both parties complete and return the documents promptly, the court will normally take between six to nine months to process the dissolution from start to finish.

The steps of a dissolution are:

• Application

If the minimum period of 1 year has passed, then either one party or the couple jointly can complete a dissolution application online. You will need to provide a colour copy of the civil partnership certificate and pay the relevant court fee.

• Conditional Order

After making the initial application, you then have a 20-week waiting period before you can apply for a conditional order. This should state that the courts see no obvious reason why not to grant a civil partnership divorce or dissolution.

• The Final Order

After receiving the conditional order, there will then be a six-weeks and one-day waiting period before the final order can be applied for. It is the final order that dissolves the partnership.

At Myers & Co, we understand that no one enters a relationship or partnership expecting it to end. That’s why our empathetic and supportive team are on hand to guide you through the process and alleviate as much stress as possible. Contact us today to speak with one of our specialist advisors.