Dissolution of Civil Partnerships
Civil partnerships have been legal for both same sex and heterosexual couples since December 2019. But what happens when civil partners split up and want to formally end their partnership?
We know that ending or dissolving a civil partnership is an emotional and difficult time for everyone involved and we will support you through the entire process. We will listen to your concerns and needs, whilst guiding you through the process every step of the way. Our aim is to achieve the best outcome we can for you, no matter how challenging and complicated the situation may be.
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Ending a civil partnership
Our team of specialist Family Lawyers fully understand the complexities and sensitivities of dissolving a civil partnership. This can often feel overwhelming, and it’s our primary goal to support and guide you through each step of the process, offering you clear, straightforward advice to make it as stress-free as possible. Our expert team have years of experience in family law, enabling us to provide comprehensive advice to clients seeking to end a civil partnership, ensuring they understand their rights, responsibilities, and the legal implications involved.
Dissolution of a civil partnership marks the legal end of that civil partnership. The dissolution of a civil partnership does not bring to an end financial claims and it is highly recommended that you talk to a lawyer who is both knowledgeable and experienced in this area. Whether it's dealing with shared property, financial settlements, and arrangements for children, our family lawyers are here to provide the advice that you need. And with our Family law team by your side, you can navigate this complex process with confidence, ensuring a smooth transition towards your next chapter.
The process of dissolving a civil partnership
Dissolving a civil partnership follows a series of steps that ensure the process is legally recognised. Here are the basic steps that you will need to go through:
Application for dissolution: The first step is to apply to the court to dissolve the partnership. The application is now generally completed online but can be completed by post. The application can be made if the partnership has lasted for more than a year. One partner can make a sole application or a joint application can be made.
Acknowledgement of service: After the court has received your application, they will send a copy to your partner. Your partner then has 14 days to respond by filling in and returning an 'acknowledgement of service' form.
Conditional Order: You can apply for the Conditional Order 20 weeks after the date of your application for dissolution. The court will review your application and, if approved, they will send you and your partner a certificate of entitlement to a dissolution.
Final Order: After 6 weeks and a day from the date of the Conditional Order, you can apply for a 'Final Order'. This legally ends your civil partnership.
Resolution of financial matters: This can be the most complex part of the process. Both partners might make claims for property, pensions, or ongoing financial support. It's usually best to agree on these issues before applying for the Final Order in the dissolution proceedings, and to get any agreement made legally binding by applying for a 'Consent Order'.
Child arrangements and maintenance: If you have children, arrangements for their care must be decided. This includes where they'll live, how they'll be financially supported, and how much time they'll spend with each parent.
Remember, while these steps provide a general guide, it is often beneficial to consult with a family law solicitor to ensure the best outcome during this difficult time. They can provide specific advice tailored to your situation and can help you navigate the complex legal system.
call Speak to one of our friendly Family Solicitors on 01752 827030
Why Nash & Co Solicitors?
Our specialist Family team of lawyers are all highly experienced, focusing on all areas of family law including divorce, finance, civil partnerships and separation, child law, cohabitation, domestic abuse, and everything that comes with these life-changing situations. Every client and every case is unique, so we’ll never try to push you down the “one size fits all” approach. Your situation will be handled with care and attention, and we’ll provide you with tailored advice at all stages. We know it’s not going to be easy, so throughout the process, our experienced solicitors will give you the support and guidance to help you make any difficult decisions.
Frequently asked questions
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The process begins with an application for dissolution of the civil partnership, which you, your partner or you both jointly can submit if you've been in the partnership for over a year. The application will state that the relationship has irretrievably broken down.
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Upon dissolution, your financial ties don't automatically cut off. Both parties can make financial claims against each other, including property, pension, or maintenance claims. It's recommended to get a legal agreement in the form of a court order to settle financial matters.
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Arrangements for the children are treated separately from dissolution proceedings. The court always considers the best interests of the children first. Decisions regarding residence, contact, and financial support will be made accordingly.
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While it is not mandatory, it's often beneficial to seek legal advice when dissolving a civil partnership, especially if there are matters concerning finances or children to be resolved. Our family lawyers provide you with guidance and advice, representation, and ensure your interests are protected.
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The duration varies based on individual circumstances as it is best to resolve all matters and not just the dissolution of the partnership. The dissolution itself will take a minimum of 6 months. If there are complex financial matters to be considered, it could take longer.
What our clients say
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Honestly can’t thank Nash & Co enough for their help & support. Rhianna was friendly, supportive & encouraging. Even when I was struggling she continued to offer the best support. I recommend them 100% to anyone who needs advice on family law! Thank you for helping me win my case!
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Gemma Stevens, a solicitor at Nash & Co has been my solicitor for a few years. She has been beside me throughout my complicated divorce. Her advice and professionalism have been amazing. I would not have a second thought in recommending her as a solicitor. Thank you all at Nash & Co.
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Nash & Co Solicitors handled my divorce and were very competent in every aspect. The matter was dealt with in a very prompt manner and brought to a very satisfactory conclusion, the costs were made aware to me from the beginning ,so no hidden expenses at the end . Would recommend to anyone . Nice people who were very easy to deal with.
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Just wanted to say a big thank you to you for all your hard work and support over the last 3 years, especially to Eleanor Barber and Lesley Hackett. You made things slightly more easier to cope with and get through. It was certainly interesting for you!
Great service and supported me every step of the way. I know where to come if I need any help in the future but hopefully not. Would definitely recommend!
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It was a relief for us to find Nash & Co, because our previous solictior unexpectedly went out of business and rather left us in the lurch. We have been using Nash & Co. since then for family- and house-related matters, and are very pleased with the service. It is a large, Plymouth-based practice and the solicitors we've dealt with are exceedingly knowledgeable and competent. They understand all the ins and outs. We've found them pleasant and thorough. All in all, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.
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Eleanor Barber was outstanding, knowledgeable, ethical and very reassuring. I had a highly emotive family matter but not an abundance of finances to sponsor a legal case. Not only did Eleanor provide her sound legal perspective on the matter, but rather than direct me to spend money on legal representation (which of course would have benefited her), reassured me that based on my state of mind and the research I had conducted thus far, that I would likely be fine representing myself in my case. Highly, highly recommend Nash & Co and can very much recommend Eleanor Barber.
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Nash & Co in the form of Eleanor Barber and her support staff, restored my faith in human nature. At a point in life when all seemed lost, I was professionally guided without fuss or ceremony, to a very satisfactory conclusion. They have earned my total respect. The billing process was totally visible and the costs were far less than anticipated. I unreservedly recommend this very special firm.
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