Civil Partnership Dissolution Solicitors
Making the decision to dissolve your civil partnership is not one that is taken lightly and requires a great deal of courage to do so. At Hamblin Family Law, we recognise the emotional challenges you may be facing, thereby providing not just legal support but a compassionate partnership.
What is civil partnership dissolution?
Civil partnership dissolution marks the formal end of a civil partnership between two individuals. Similarly to divorce proceedings for married couples, the dissolution of a civil partnership involves concluding the legal relationship through the courts, as well as addressing financial considerations and making arrangements for children, if required.
What is the process for ending a civil partnership?
Step 1: Check your eligibility
You cannot dissolve your civil partnership for at least one year after you entered into the partnership. After a year, as with divorce, you can apply for dissolution on a no-fault basis.
Step 2: Apply to dissolve the civil partnership
A single partner or both partners jointly can apply to the courts to dissolve the civil partnership. This application details grounds for dissolution and jurisdictional specifications.
Step 3: Responding to the petition
The partner receiving the dissolution application will be required to formulate a response to agree or contest the dissolution within 14 days.
Step 4: Apply for a Conditional Order
Once you and your partner have reached an agreement, you can apply for a Conditional Order after a 20-week waiting period. This is a legal document that confirms the court has accepted your application for civil partnership dissolution. But this does not confirm that your partnership has been dissolved. You must wait six weeks and one day before applying for a Final Order. It is during these six weeks that access to legal advice and support is particularly important, especially if your partner chooses to challenge the dissolution.
Step 5: Apply for a Final Order
After six weeks and one day following your Conditional Order, you can apply for a Final Order to dissolve your civil partnership. The court will issue the Final Order, which confirms your civil partnership has legally ended.
Financial arrangements
It is essential that all financial matters are resolved before you apply to finalise the dissolution of your civil partnership. Arrangements to consider include:
- Money – savings and investments
- Property – the family home and any other property worldwide
- Cars, artwork, jewellery
- Pensions
- Life insurance
- Businesses interests
- Trust interests
- Debts, loans and credit cards
If an agreement cannot be reached, you may need to apply for a Financial Order, which details the division of property, assets, and liabilities. Legal advice is paramount here to protect assets and ensure you receive a fair settlement.
Child arrangements
It is also vital to agree arrangements for any children before finalising the dissolution of your civil partnership. These include:
- Living arrangements
- Access arrangements
- Child support/maintenance
If you and your partner cannot agree on child arrangements, you may need to apply for a Child Arrangement Order.
Learn how we can support you with child arrangements.
Why choose Hamblin Family Law?
As family law experts, we understand the delicate nature of financial matters intertwined with the emotional impact of civil partnership dissolution. As such, we tailor our approach to address these intricacies and your situation with care. We understand that every relationship is unique, approaching each case with the individual attention it deserves.
Above all, we give you the space to have your concerns, priorities, and wishes heard. Our focus is to empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions throughout the dissolution process and with the confidence to begin the next chapter of your life.
