The dissolution of a civil partnership presents numerous legal, financial and emotional challenges. At such a time it is vital to have the support and advice of the right people, including friends, family, financial advisors and civil partnership dissolution solicitors.

Finding the right legal advice at the earliest stage can bring some level of confidence, clarity and peace of mind to an otherwise stressful and uncertain situation.

Simply.Law gives you further confidence by allowing you to search through our members, empowering you to find the solicitor whose specialism and location are right for you.

Dissolution of a civil partnership

Because civil partnerships are a legally recognised type of relationship, civil partners seeking dissolution of the relationship must satisfy courts that there has been an “irretrievable breakdown” between the two parties.

The following qualify as legitimate proof of breakdown:

• The two parties have lived separately for two or more years and now agree to formally separate
• The two parties have lived separately for five or more years
• One party has engaged in “unreasonable behaviour” meaning it is unreasonable to expect the other to continue the relationship
• Desertion

Committing adultery/ being sexually unfaithful

Many people are surprised to learn that adultery is not a ground for civil partnership dissolution. However, proof that one party to the civil partnership has been sexually unfaithful with a third party can be seen as ‘unreasonable behaviour’.

Transnational dissolution

If one party to the relationship does not live in England or Wales or if the civil partnership was created in another country and there are potential jurisdictional issues it is even more imperative that you seek legal advice.

Children

If the civil partners have parental responsibility they will need to address the needs of any children, including the details of their residence, education and day-to-day care.

It is always in the best interests of the child if parties can come to an amicable agreement. One way to do this is to work with a family mediation service, a relatively pressure-free process. However, in the event parties can’t agree, a court will issue an order outlining its decision regarding child arrangements.

Simply.Law’s civil partnership dissolution solicitors

Search through Simply.Law’s member solicitor profiles to connect with one of our trusted civil partnership dissolution specialists.

The featured lawyers all have years of experience as family law specialists and Simply.Law can put you in contact with the practitioner most suited to your case. Use our Simply.Law Match facility to enter a few details about your circumstances and we will find the civil partnership dissolution solicitor best placed to act for you.