Thinking about dissolving your civil partnership? Here is what you need to know

If you are considering ending your civil partnership, you are taking a step that many others have also faced.

Ending a partnership is rarely easy, but it is important to know that support and guidance are available to help you through the process.

Whether it has been a recent decision or something you have been weighing up for a while, it is natural to feel uncertain about what is involved.

Dissolution proceedings, the legal process of ending a civil partnership, can feel overwhelming, but understanding your rights and the steps ahead can make all the difference.

What is a dissolution?

Dissolution is the legal term for ending a civil partnership.

Unlike divorce, which applies to married couples, dissolution applies exclusively to civil partnerships.

The process is similar to divorce under the current Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020.

This Act allows for a no-fault approach, meaning there is no need to assign blame to one partner.

Instead, either or both partners can simply confirm the partnership has irretrievably broken down.

Key steps in the process

Filing the application – The process begins with submitting a dissolution application, either individually or jointly. Depending on your preference, this can be done online or through paper forms.
You will need to pay the court fee, currently £593.
Reflection period – Once the application is submitted, there is a mandatory 20-week reflection period.
This gives you time to consider your decision and make arrangements for finances, property, and any children.
Conditional order – After the reflection period, you can apply for a conditional order.
This is the court’s formal acknowledgement that you meet the legal criteria to dissolve your civil partnership.
Final order – Six weeks after the conditional order is granted, you can apply for the final order, which legally ends your civil partnership.

What about finances and children?

While the dissolution itself is a straightforward process, dividing finances and arranging child custody (if applicable) often requires additional legal support.

Without a court-approved financial order, claims can still be made against you years after the dissolution is finalised.

Similarly, if you and your partner have children, arrangements for their care and well-being will need to be prioritised.

This may involve agreeing on living arrangements, schooling, and financial support. Where an agreement cannot be reached, the court can intervene.

Our family law specialists are here to provide clear, compassionate advice tailored to your unique circumstances.

If you are considering dissolving your civil partnership, contact us today for a confidential consultation.

Stuart Daniel

Director – Head of Family Department

I qualified as a Solicitor in 2006 and now specialise in divorce, financial settlements, childcare arrangements and Pre Nuptial Agreements. I have many years’ experience as a private family lawyer having worked with two other local firms before returning to Mander Hadley, where I first undertook work experience during my university studies.

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