Ending a civil partnership is never an easy decision. It’s a major life change that often brings emotional and practical challenges. You might be wondering how to handle finances, living arrangements, childcare, or what your future will look like. Our experienced team of civil partnership solicitors will be with you every step of the way.
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Taking that first step to dissolve your civil partnership can feel like a huge leap. It’s a difficult and emotional time, and the process might seem confusing or overwhelming. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
If you’re ready to begin, you’ll be referred to as the applicant. This means you’ll need to submit the dissolution application, a task that can feel daunting on top of everything else you’re dealing with. That’s where we can help.
Our experienced dissolution solicitors are here to take the pressure off. We’ll handle the paperwork and guide you through the process from start to finish, so you can focus on what matters most, moving forward with your life. With our fixed-fee service, you’ll have one less thing to worry about.
Taking that first step to dissolve your civil partnership can feel like a huge leap. It’s a difficult and emotional time, and the process might seem confusing or overwhelming. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
If you’re ready to begin, you’ll be referred to as the applicant. This means you’ll need to submit the dissolution application, a task that can feel daunting on top of everything else you’re dealing with. That’s where we can help.
Our experienced dissolution solicitors are here to take the pressure off. We’ll handle the paperwork and guide you through the process from start to finish, so you can focus on what matters most, moving forward with your life. With our fixed-fee service, you’ll have one less thing to worry about.
If your civil partner has already started dissolution proceedings, you’ll be the respondent. As the respondent, you’ll receive a copy of the dissolution application once the court issues it. It’s normal to feel unsure about what to do next, but we’re here to guide you through every step. Our team offers transparent pricing and compassionate support, so you’ll always know what to expect.
It’s now possible for couples who want to work amicably to resolve their separation and both agree to dissolve their civil partnership to apply jointly for the dissolution. In these circumstances, the Court fee is usually shared equally, and you’ll be known as applicant 1 and applicant 2 in the process. Our costs will be the same as our Fixed Fee Divorce for Applicants if you choose to apply jointly with your civil partner.
At Machins Solicitors, we’re here to support you. We’ll provide clear, straightforward advice and offer compassionate support to help you navigate the process. Together, we’ll work to understand your unique situation, explore your options, and protect what matters most to you.
Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
Just like a divorce for married couples, the dissolution of a civil partnership is the legal process through which you can end a civil partnership if it has irretrievably broken down.
Even though they are the similar processes, dissolution and divorce apply to different types of relationships. Dissolution is the procedure to terminate a civil partnership, and divorce is the procedure to terminate a marriage.
That said, as far as legal rights and responsibilities are concerned, there is simply no difference. Both marriages and civil partnerships carry the same financial protections, inheritance, and other perks. Even the dissolution processes for both unions are now almost identical, with the introduction of no-fault grounds in UK law. This has allowed for the dissolution of a civil partnership or divorce to be less contentious and easier.
If dissolution doesn’t feel right for any reason, you may consider a judicial separation. This is a formal court process that legally separates you while allowing financial orders (except pension sharing) to be applied for.
Key differences between judicial separation and dissolution:
In some cases, an annulment may be possible. A civil partnership annulment is a legal process that declares a partnership null and void, meaning it’s treated as though it never legally existed. Unlike dissolution, which ends a valid civil partnership, annulments are only granted in specific situations where the partnership is considered invalid from the start. You also don’t need to be in your civil partnership for a year to start the annulment process.
Our team can advise you on whether an annulment, a judicial separation or a dissolution is the best choice for your circumstances.
A dissolution solicitor is there to guide you through every aspect of the dissolution process. They’ll provide expert advice on everything from filing your application to handling finances, dividing assets, and making arrangements for your children. It’s about having someone in your corner to make sure your best interests are protected, and the process runs smoothly.
Unfortunately, there is no set rule on how long a dissolution will take and it depends completely on how straightforward your case is. If you and your ex-partner agree on everything, the process is usually quicker. For an uncontested dissolution in England and Wales, it typically takes 6 to 12 months. If there are disputes over the finances or children, it might take longer. Either way, we’ll be there to guide you, so you know what to expect at each stage.
Sorting out finances during a dissolution such as property, savings, pensions need to be considered. Our solicitors can help you negotiate a fair agreement, whether that’s through mediation, direct discussions, or, if needed, court proceedings or arbitration. Getting clear advice from the start can save you time, money, and worry in the long run.
Both processes are now very similar, following the introduction of no-fault legislation. Neither is inherently “easier”; it depends on individual circumstances and whether disputes arise over finances or childcare.
You can only apply after the partnership has existed for at least one year and you meet residency requirements. You also need to confirm the partnership has irretrievably broken down. It cannot be dissolved unilaterally without going through the legal process.
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Our experienced solicitors are on hand to give you advice and assistance.
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