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Ending a civil partnership

If you need to end a civil partnership, our family law solicitors can help you through the Court process, reach a financial settlement and work out financial maintenance.

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Caroline Andrews, Brentwood

Caroline Andrews, specialist solicitor in Family and Fertility law in Brentwood

Ending a civil partnership solicitors: Expert legal advice

One of our expert family law solicitors can advise you on every aspect of ending your civil partnership – from filling out your dissolution petition and completing paperwork, to reaching a financial settlement with your former partner.

Reasons to end a civil partnership

Legally, the only basis for dissolution is the ‘irretrievable breakdown of the partnership’, which can be established in one of four different ways:

Unreasonable behaviour
Two years’ separation by consent
Five years’ separation
Two years’ desertion

How do I end my civil partnership?

The legal process of ending a civil partnership is called ‘dissolution’. If you want to dissolve your civil partnership, the first steps are to:

Apply to the Court – the first step is filling out a dissolution petition
Give the Court a reason why you want to end the partnership
Talk to your partner about practical issues, such as dividing your finances.

We have more information for you in our guide to dissolving a civil partnership.

Ending a civil partnership FAQs

How much does it cost to end a civil partnership?

The court charges a fee of £593 for an application to dissolve (end) a civil partnership.

If you then reach an agreement between you as to the financial arrangements upon dissolution (i.e. how you will divide your assets and any ongoing financial support between you), the charge for the court approving your agreement to make it binding is £53
If you are unable to reach an agreement as to your financial arrangements, you can apply for the court to adjudicate. The court fee to start that process is £275

The above court fees are payable whether you use a solicitor or handle the dissolution yourself. Legal fees cover the cost of things like the solicitor or mediator’s time advising you, preparing documents and representing you at Court (if required).

Depending on your individual circumstances, you may have to pay additional Court fees or be entitled to fee exemptions.

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