Civil Partnership Dissolution Solicitors

What’s the difference between civil partnership dissolution and divorce?

Although the processes are very similar, there are a few fundamental differences between civil partnership dissolution and divorce. Both are legal ways to end a relationship formally, but they apply to different types of unions.

The main difference is the terminology you apply for a dissolution instead of a divorce, and some legal grounds (like adultery) don’t apply to civil partnerships. Otherwise, the steps, timescales, and outcomes are very similar. Our civil partnership dissolution solicitors can guide you through the process, explain what each stage involves, and make sure everything is handled smoothly and correctly.

A divorce ends a marriage, while a civil partnership dissolution ends a civil partnership. The legal steps involved are almost the same as those you apply to the court for an order to bring the relationship to an end, and financial or childcare arrangements are handled alongside that process. The process and paperwork are almost the same, and both lead to a Final Order that officially ends the relationship.

In practical terms, both routes are handled in a similar way, and our civil partnership dissolution solicitors have the expertise to guide you through the process smoothly, ensuring that all financial, property, and family matters are resolved fairly and efficiently.

How can we help

When a civil partnership comes to an end, there’s often a lot to think about, from understanding the legal process to making decisions about finances, your home, and, in some cases, children. It can feel like a lot to manage at once, but that’s where we can help. Our team of civil partnership dissolution solicitors are here to guide you through each stage with clear, practical advice and steady support.

At Fisher Jones Greenwood, we specialise in all aspects of civil partnership dissolution and family law. Whether your separation is amicable or more complicated, our civil partnership solicitors will take time to understand your situation and priorities before putting together a plan that’s right for you. We’ll explain everything in plain English, handle the paperwork on your behalf, and make sure you always know what’s happening and what your next steps are.

Our family law team can assist with every part of the process, including:

Financial settlements

Financial matters can be one of the most important and sometimes most stressful parts of ending a civil partnership. You may need to agree on how to divide property, savings, or pensions, or discuss whether financial support should continue after the dissolution. Our civil partnership dissolution solicitors have extensive experience helping clients reach fair and realistic settlements that provide security for the future.

We focus on achieving balanced outcomes that meet your needs without unnecessary conflict. Where possible, we’ll help you resolve matters through discussion or mediation rather than going to court, saving you both time and stress. If formal proceedings do become necessary, you’ll have strong representation from a specialist who understands how to protect your interests effectively.

Children matters

If you have children, their well-being will understandably be your top priority. Our civil partnership solicitors offer sensitive and practical advice to help you reach child arrangements that support their stability and happiness. This may involve agreeing where your children will live, how often they’ll see each parent, or setting up financial arrangements such as child maintenance.

We know these conversations can be emotionally charged, so we focus on finding cooperative, child-focused solutions wherever possible. If formal agreements or court orders are needed, we’ll handle everything carefully and make sure you fully understand the process from start to finish.

Domestic abuse and safety concerns

If you are experiencing domestic abuse or feeling unsafe, our team of civil partnership dissolution solicitors can act quickly to protect you and your family. We can apply for court orders and take other urgent steps to safeguard your well-being. Everything you tell us is handled with complete confidentiality and sensitivity.

We understand that reaching out can be difficult, but we’re here to listen, explain your options clearly, and help you take the right steps to stay safe. We also work closely with trusted support organisations so you can access additional help if you need it.

What is the process for dissolving a civil partnership?

The civil partnership dissolution process follows a process which is designed to bring your partnership to a formal end in a structured and straightforward way. It begins with filing a dissolution application, which can be made either jointly with your partner or by one person alone (known as a sole application). This application is submitted to the court and officially starts the process.

Once the application has been reviewed and accepted, the next step is the Conditional Order. This is the court’s way of confirming that there is no legal reason why the civil partnership cannot be dissolved. You must wait a minimum period of 20 weeks from the start of the process before you can apply for this stage. This built-in timeframe is intended to give both parties time to reflect and make any necessary practical arrangements.

After the Conditional Order, you can apply for the Final Order. This is the last step and the document that legally ends your civil partnership. You must wait at least six weeks and one day after the Conditional Order before applying for the Final Order, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Once the court grants it, your civil partnership is officially dissolved.

Throughout this process, our civil partnership dissolution solicitors will handle all correspondence and paperwork, keep you informed of timelines, and ensure everything is managed correctly so you can move forward with confidence.