Civil Partnership & Dissolution Lawyers Manchester

Q: Do I need to give a reason for ending my civil partnership?

No. Under the current law in England and Wales, you do not need to prove unreasonable behaviour, desertion or a period of separation. The application is made on the basis that the civil partnership has broken down irretrievably.

Q: Can we apply for dissolution together?

Yes. Civil partners can make a joint application where both wish to take part in the process. It is also possible for one person to make a sole application.

Q: How long does civil partnership dissolution take?

There are minimum waiting periods built into the process. There is normally a minimum of 20 weeks before the Conditional Order can be applied for, followed by at least six weeks and one day before the Final Order can be requested. These are minimum periods rather than a guarantee of how long every case will take. Financial arrangements may also take longer to resolve than the dissolution itself.

Q: Does the Final Order settle our finances?

No. The Final Order legally ends the civil partnership, but it does not automatically settle financial claims between you. If you have agreed how property, pensions, savings or other assets should be dealt with, it may be appropriate to record that agreement in a financial consent order and ask the court to approve it.

Q: What happens if my civil partner will not cooperate?

You do not necessarily need your civil partner’s agreement to bring the civil partnership to an end. A sole application can be made where you are not applying together. If the difficulty relates to financial disclosure or reaching a financial agreement, there are separate legal routes available. The court can require financial information to be provided and, where necessary, make decisions where agreement cannot be reached.

Q: Should I deal with finances before applying for the Final Order?

It is often sensible to consider your financial position before applying for the Final Order, particularly where pensions, property or other significant assets are involved. The appropriate timing depends on your circumstances. We can advise you on whether financial arrangements should be resolved before the civil partnership is formally brought to an end.

End your civil partnership with clear legal guidance
Resolve property, finances and future arrangements
Navigate dissolution with dignity and certainty

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If you have decided to end your civil partnership, clear legal advice can help you understand the formal process and the decisions that may need to be made alongside it.

Civil partnership dissolution is the legal process used to bring a civil partnership to an end in England and Wales. The current procedure does not require either partner to prove fault. Instead, the application is based on a statement that the relationship has broken down irretrievably.

The dissolution itself is only one part of separating. You may also need to deal with property, savings, pensions, maintenance or arrangements for children. Financial matters are dealt with separately from the dissolution, so it is important to understand what needs to be resolved before the legal relationship comes to an end.

Stephen Pinnington leads our family law team and has over 30 years’ experience advising on family law matters. His work includes cases involving property, pensions and business interests, which can all become relevant when a civil partnership ends. He manages matters from start to finish and can represent clients at court where required, providing clear, practical advice throughout.

Pinnington Law’s family lawyers in Manchester can advise on the dissolution process and any related financial or family law issues, helping you understand your options and what needs to happen next.

What it’s like working with Pinnington Law

When you choose Pinnington Law for advice on civil partnership dissolution, here’s what you can expect:

You work with one dedicated family law solicitor from start to finish.
○ Your solicitor remains your consistent point of contact, takes time to understand your circumstances and keeps the dissolution and any related issues moving forward.
We begin by explaining where you stand.
○ We will talk you through the dissolution process, the stage you are at and any financial or family matters that may need to be dealt with alongside it.
We help you separate the legal process from the financial issues.
○ Ending the civil partnership does not automatically resolve property, pensions, savings or maintenance, so we explain what needs to be addressed separately and when.
We agree on an approach based on what matters most to you.
○ Your priorities may include reaching an agreement on finances, keeping matters constructive, protecting your position or bringing the relationship to a clear legal conclusion. Our advice is shaped around those priorities.
We look at the wider picture.
○ Where the end of the civil partnership also raises questions about the family home, pensions, business interests or arrangements for children, we help you understand how those issues fit together.
We explain each stage before it happens.
○ You will know what needs to be done, what information may be required and what the next step is likely to be, without unnecessary legal jargon.
We give clear and realistic advice.
○ We will explain the options available, the potential risks of different approaches and where further action may be needed before the Final Order is obtained.
You receive regular communication and clear information about costs.
○ We keep you updated as your matter progresses and explain the scope of the work and the fees involved so you know what to expect.

During your first conversation, we will discuss your circumstances, what you want to achieve and whether you need advice on the dissolution itself, financial arrangements or both.

The civil partnership dissolution process

Check you are eligible to apply

Make the application

Wait for the Conditional Order

Apply for the Final Order

Deal with financial arrangements

Consider the timing of the Final Order

Why choose Pinnington Law

Pinnington Law is a specialist family law firm, and our solicitors advise on civil partnership dissolution together with the financial issues that can arise when a relationship ends. This means you can consider the formal legal process and the practical consequences of separation together rather than dealing with them in isolation.

Your matter is handled by a solicitor, with regular communication throughout. We focus on making the legal position understandable, identifying issues early and giving you clear options for moving matters forward.

A free initial telephone consultation is available, and fixed fees may be available depending on the work required. This gives you an opportunity to discuss your circumstances and understand the likely scope of the work before deciding how you wish to proceed.

With an office in Swinton, we advise clients across Manchester and Greater Manchester, as well as elsewhere in England and Wales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to give a reason for ending my civil partnership?

Can we apply for dissolution together?

How long does civil partnership dissolution take?

Does the Final Order settle our finances?

What happens if my civil partner will not cooperate?

Should I deal with finances before applying for the Final Order?

Contact us

Ending a civil partnership can involve more than completing the court application. Pinnington Law can advise on the dissolution itself and the financial or family arrangements that may need to be dealt with alongside it.

Our civil partnership dissolution specialists in Manchester (Salford) and Burnley (Nelson) are trusted by clients who value responsive communication, personal service and advice that reflects the realities of family life. We regularly assist with civil partnership dissolution across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, including, Stockport, Rochdale and Oldham, as well as clients elsewhere in England and Wales seeking dependable legal support at competitive regional rates.

As a specialist family law firm, we provide clear advice, regular communication and support from a solicitor throughout your matter.

To speak with one of our family law solicitors, call 0161 938 7006 or complete the contact form.

Call us for expert advice on 0161 938 7006 or email us at: pinningtonlaw@farnworthrose.co.uk

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