Similar to marriage and divorce, those in civil partnerships can apply for a dissolution order in instances where they would like to end their legal relationship with their partner. And in the same way as divorce, dissolution orders must go through court.
In the same was as in divorce, agreements need to be made surrounding finances, housing, and any children in the relationship. It is recommended to have a solicitor with you during this time so that you can get the best arrangement.
At Reeds, we understand that separation can be an emotional time for all involved. Our team of family solicitors are on hand to assist you and guide you through the whole process with the utmost sensitivity. Call Reeds on 0333 240 7373 or via email on info@reeds.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Marriage and Civil Partnership?
Marriage and civil partnerships are both legally bound relationships between two people. They both share many of the same benefits, including rights to any property and assets, relationships and arrangements to any children, as well as pension benefits. They also share many of the same obligations. There are some differences, however, between marriages and civil partnerships.
The first difference is those in civil partnerships cannot legally call themselves ‘married’. Comparatively, civil partnerships are ended with dissolution by obtaining a dissolution order, whereas a marriage is ended with divorce by obtaining a decree absolute. When we look at the grounds for divorce, adultery is included for those going through divorce. Yet, adultery is not a ground for dissolving a civil partnership.
How is a Civil Partnership Ended?
A civil partnership is ended by making an application for a dissolution order in court. Whilst this is similar to divorce, legally speaking you do not get ‘divorced’ from a civil partnership.
If the civil partnership breaks down, there is a legal process that must be followed in order to dissolve the civil partnership. This includes making an application to the court, asking for legal authorisation for the relationship to end.
The process of dissolving a civil partnership is very similar to a divorce. A couple must have been in the civil partnership for a minimum of 1 year before an application for dissolution can be made to court. Once the minimum period of 1 year has passed, either person in the couple, or both if the decision is mutual, can apply for a dissolution order.
If a civil partnership has lasted for less than 1 year, a separation order can be applied for to agree the details of how the couple want to separate. For more information on separation agreements, see our dedicated page.
In the application, the applicant must provide a declaration detailing that the partnership has irrevocably broken down.
You can avoid going to any court hearings by agreeing with your partner ahead of time on decisions surrounding finances, property and assets, and any children.
It is recommended to have a solicitor with you during this time so that you can get the best arrangement and guidance throughout the dissolution process. At Reeds, we have a team of family experts who are on hand to assist you and guide you through the whole process with the upmost sensitivity. Call Reeds on 0333 240 7373 or via email on info@reeds.co.uk
What Is a Dissolution Order?
A dissolution order is a legal process that must be followed in order to dissolve a civil partnership. This includes making an application to the court, asking for legal authorisation for the relationship to end.
The process of dissolving a civil partnership is very similar to a divorce. A couple must have been in the civil partnership for a minimum of 1 year before an application for dissolution can be made to court. Once the minimum period of 1 year has passed, either person in the couple, or both if the decision is mutual, can apply for a dissolution order.
If a civil partnership has lasted for less than 1 year, a separation order can be applied for to agree the details of how the couple want to separate. Read more about separation agreements here.
In the application, the applicant must provide a declaration detailing that the partnership has irrevocably broken down.
What Is a Separation Order?
If a civil partnership has lasted for less than 1 year, or one person is the relationship does not want it to end, a separation order can be applied for to agree the details of how the couple want to separate. Read more about separation agreements here.
Do I Need to Prove to Court That My Relationship Has Broken Down?
In the same way as in a divorce, ending a civil partnership requires the applicant to demonstrate that the relationship has broken down irreversibly. There are no specific grounds that must be proven for the dissolution to be granted. The court will grant and process the dissolution once satisfied with the details of the breakdown of the relationship.
What Is the Difference Between Dissolution and Annulment?
Someone may apply for annulment if they are able to assert to the court that their civil partnership was not legal in the first place. Civil partnerships must meet certain criteria in order to be legal, including that both partners must not already be married or in a civil partnership, they must both be over 16 years old, and the civil partnership must not be entered under any kind of coercion.
Annulments are usually applied for within 3 years of registering a civil partnership, and if the annulment is granted, the partnership will become void or voidable.
Our expert team of Family Lawyers understand that separation can be a very distressing and upsetting time for all involved. We always treat every case with sensitivity. Our expert team are on hand to support and guide you through the process. For an initial discussion, call us on 0333 240 7373 or contact Reeds on info@reeds.co.uk.
