Civil Partnerships

Dissolving a civil partnership is the legal process of ending a civil partnership in the UK. Following the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, which came into force in April 2022, the process has been simplified and is now broadly aligned with the reformed divorce procedure.

There is no longer a requirement to prove fault or assign blame. Either partner, or both jointly, can apply for a conditional order (formerly called a decree nisi) simply by stating that the partnership has broken down irretrievably. There is no need to provide reasons or evidence of conduct.

Applications are made online through the HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) digital system. The process involves a minimum period of reflection — at least 20 weeks between the application date and when you can apply for the conditional order, and at least six weeks between the conditional order and the final order. This gives parties time to consider their position and reach financial and other agreements.

The dissolution itself ends the civil partnership, but it does not automatically resolve financial matters. Financial orders — covering property, pensions, maintenance, and other assets — must be dealt with separately and ideally by court order or consent order. Without a formal financial order, either party can make financial claims against the other in the future.

At Terence Ray Solicitors, we guide clients through the full dissolution process and advise on all associated financial and children matters.

Call 020 3367 1430 or email info@trsolicitors.co.uk.