Civil Partnership & Dissolution Lawyers

Dissolving a civil partnership

Why choose us?

- Free initial telephone consultation
- Fixed fees available
- Solicitors handling your case
- Experts in Civil Partnership dissolution and financial settlements
- Regular updates

English Law determines the rights of any couple and there are different rights for varying situations; such as unmarried couples who have fewer rights than a legally binding partnership or marriage. Anyone considering a civil partnership should be aware that legally ending a partnership is similar to the procedure for divorce; including financial situations that might occur. However, the process is referred to as Dissolution rather than Divorce.

One important aspect of dissolution is that parties must remain in the Civil Partnership for at least 1 year before Dissolution can occur. Even if you feel the partnership should end prior to the 1st year, you will need to remain in the partnership if you wish to be considered for dissolution or any financial settlement.

During the process of application the Petitioner must prove that one of these four legal facts occurred:

The Respondent behaved unreasonably
You have been deserted for 2 years or more
You have separated and lived apart for 2 years or more and you both agree to the dissolution
You have separated and lived apart for 5 years or more
Acknowledgement of Service

If any of the above can be proven, then the court will accept your application and proceedings will commence. The next step is the acknowledgement of service. During this step the respondent (i.e- your ex-partner) will need to fill out a form and accept the petition sent to the court. Once they have stated that they have received these forms and answered the questions, it is time to progress to the next stage in the dissolution.

Conditional Order

The third stage of the dissolution is the Conditional Order. This order is provided by the court if your civil partner does not wish to contest the dissolution. This means that your civil partner has replied to you, agreeing that there is no reason you cannot separate legally and completely.

Final Order

At this point you will need to apply for the final order. The Final Order is the legally binding agreement which terminates your civil partnership. Similarly to a divorce, you are required to wait 6 weeks from the date of the Conditional Order before you can apply for the Final Order.

Remember that in a Civil Partnership Dissolution, the process is only formalised at the end of your relationship. Financial settlements are a separate matter and will require a different court order application in order to resolve any financial disputes. For more information, read our Financial Settlements section to discover how we can help you resolve your financial disputes during a Civil Partnership Dissolution.

Additionally, we provide an extensive range of links to websites and advocates who can help you assess your financial situation, decide how best to proceed, and find answers to any of your questions regarding assets and rights for Civil Partnerships rather than Divorce.

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

Contact Our Civil Partnership Dissolution Solicitors

Ending a civil partnership is a major personal decision, and having clear legal advice can help you feel more informed, supported and in control from the outset. Whether you are considering dissolution, need guidance on the formal steps involved, or want support alongside related issues such as finances, property or arrangements for children, our solicitors provide clear, practical advice tailored to your circumstances.

With offices in Swinton and Nelson, we support clients across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and the wider North West, offering a straightforward and reassuring service at what is often a difficult time. We understand that civil partnership dissolution is not just about ending a legal relationship. It often involves important decisions about your future, and our role is to help you navigate those decisions with clarity, care and a firm focus on achieving the right outcome.

Our team has strong experience in civil partnership dissolution matters, including applications to formally end a partnership and advice on the wider issues that can arise alongside the legal process. From the outset, we explain the procedure clearly, help you understand what to expect at each stage and provide joined-up support where additional advice is needed on financial arrangements or family matters.

As a specialist family law firm, we are trusted by clients who value responsive communication, sensible guidance and support that reflects the realities of relationship breakdown. We regularly assist clients across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, including Salford, Manchester, Stockport, Rochdale, Oldham, Burnley and Nelson, as well as clients elsewhere in England and Wales seeking dependable advice at competitive regional rates.