The end of a civil partnership has the same consequences as the breakdown of a marriage. The partnership will need to be formally dissolved and the financial implications carefully considered. We recognise that this can be a daunting and painful process but we are able to offer the expert advice and support you need to move forward.  

Grounds for dissolution

In order to dissolve a civil partnership in England and Wales you must have been civil partners for at least one year and be able to show the court that the relationship has irretrievably broken down. In order to do this you will need to rely upon one of the following facts:

• The other party has behaved unreasonably towards you and you cannot reasonably be expected to live with them.
• The other party has deserted you (left without your consent) for two years or more.
• You have been separated for two years or more and the other party agrees to the dissolution.
• You have been separated for five years or more.

Procedure

As with divorces, the majority of civil partnership dissolutions are undefended as generally both parties accept the relationship has broken down and come to understand that the grounds for dissolution will have little bearing on financial matters or the arrangements for the children.

From the date of issue, undefended proceedings will take between four and six months to the pronouncement of the Conditional Order. There is then a further six week period before the application can be made for the Final Order to dissolve the partnership, although in practice it is usual to delay this until financial matters are resolved.

When dealing with dissolution proceedings it is important to put in place a court order dealing with the financial position to prevent financial claims being raised in the future. 

Cost

We recognise that cost is one of the main concerns when it comes to dissolving a civil partnership.  At Arora Ashton Patel we believe everyone should be able to access affordable legal advice. We have a range of charging rates to suit different budgets and will always provide you with a detailed estimate of our fees at outset of the matter. We will also undertake work for a fixed fee agreed in advance where possible.

For further information on any aspect of civil partnership dissolution, please contact one of the team on 0208 554 6263or alternatively email us on aroraashtonpatel@gmail.com for a call back.