When a civil partnership breaks down, ending the legal union can be just as complex and emotional as divorce. While many of the same principles apply, there are important differences in terminology, procedure and eligibility.
Whether you’re considering dissolving your civil partnership or are already in the process, it’s vital to understand your rights, responsibilities and options every step of the way.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through what civil partnership dissolution involves in the UK, how long it takes, what paperwork you’ll need and how financial and child-related matters are resolved – along with how to book a free 30-minute consultation with an experienced family law solicitor.
What is a civil partnership?
A civil partnership is a legal relationship which gives couples similar rights and responsibilities to marriage. Originally introduced in 2005 for same-sex couples, civil partnerships became available to opposite-sex couples in England and Wales from 31 December 2019.
Much like marriage, civil partnerships provide legal recognition of a relationship, including protections around property ownership, financial support, inheritance, tax and parental responsibility.
How do you dissolve a civil partnership in the UK?
To legally end a civil partnership, you must apply to the court for a dissolution order. This is similar to a divorce but uses different legal terms. You cannot simply separate or live apart – there must be a formal legal process.
You can apply to dissolve your civil partnership if:
- You’ve been in the partnership for at least one year
- Your partnership has broken down irretrievably
Following the introduction of the no-fault divorce law in April 2022, the process for dissolving civil partnerships is now simpler and less adversarial. You no longer have to prove fault (e.g. unreasonable behaviour or separation) and your partner cannot contest the dissolution except on technical grounds.
What is the process for civil partnership dissolution?
The steps for ending a civil partnership under no-fault rules are as follows:
- Submit a dissolution application
You can apply online or by post. The application may be made:
- Individually (as a sole applicant)
- Together with your partner (as joint applicants)
The application must include a statement of irretrievable breakdown, confirming that the relationship cannot be repaired.
- Wait 20 weeks
There is a mandatory 20-week reflection period between the application and the next stage. This is designed to give both parties time to reflect, seek advice and resolve practical matters like finances and child arrangements.
If the partnership is beyond reconciliation, you’ll move to the next step.
- Apply for a conditional order
After 20 weeks, you can apply for a conditional order – previously known as a ‘decree nisi’. This is a confirmation by the court that it sees no reason the partnership can’t be dissolved.
- Wait 6 weeks and apply for a final order
Six weeks and one day after the conditional order is granted, you can apply for a final order, which legally ends the civil partnership.
Once this is issued, your partnership is officially dissolved.
How long does it take to end a civil partnership?
The minimum time is 26 weeks or roughly 6 months, due to the combined waiting periods. However, the process can take longer if:
- There are disagreements over finances or children
- One party delays paperwork or applications
- Court backlogs affect processing times
A solicitor can help you stay on track and minimise delays.
Do I need a reason to end the civil partnership?
Under the no-fault system, you don’t need to give a reason or assign blame. Simply stating that the relationship has irretrievably broken down is sufficient. This helps reduce hostility and enables couples to focus on practical arrangements instead of past grievances.
What forms are required to dissolve a civil partnership?
You’ll typically need to complete:
- D8 Form – Application for dissolution
- D84 Form – Application for conditional order
- D36 Form – Application for final order
- D81 Form – Statement of information about finances (used when applying for a consent order)
If children or finances are involved, you may also need other documents or court applications. You can find out more about the paperwork needed for a divorce petition in this guide.
What happens to finances and property during a civil partnership dissolution?
Like divorcing couples, civil partners must resolve how their assets will be divided. This includes:
- The family home
- Joint savings and investments
- Pensions
- Debts and liabilities
- Business interests
You can make informal agreements between yourselves or go through formal financial remedy proceedings if needed.
Most couples apply for a financial consent order, which records an agreed settlement and makes it legally binding. Without this, one party could make future financial claims – even years later.
A solicitor can help you draft a fair and enforceable agreement that protects both parties.
What about child arrangements?
If you have children, you’ll need to agree on:
- Who they will live with
- How often they’ll see the other parent
- Child maintenance payments
- Schooling, holidays and other practical decisions
If you can’t agree, you may need to apply for a child arrangements order through the court.
Family law solicitors can assist with mediation, negotiation and court applications to ensure the best interests of your child are met.
Can I change my name after civil partnership dissolution?
Yes. Once your civil partnership is dissolved, you can change your name back to a previous surname using your final order as evidence. You may need to update your passport, driving licence and other legal documents.
Can we use the same solicitor?
If your separation is amicable, you may wish to reduce costs by sharing a solicitor. However, a solicitor can only act in the best interests of one party. This means both parties must receive independent legal advice if there’s any disagreement about finances or children.
What does it cost to dissolve a civil partnership?
Costs can vary depending on the complexity of your case and whether you use a solicitor. Key costs include:
- Court fee: £593 (as of 2025)
- Solicitor fees: Check costings for a fixed fee services
- Consent order drafting: Additional fees apply
Legal Aid is not typically available unless domestic abuse or child protection issues are involved.
Do you need a solicitor for civil partnership dissolution?
You can manage the process yourself, especially if the separation is straightforward. But many people choose to work with a solicitor to:
- Ensure paperwork is correct and deadlines are met
- Navigate complex financial or child arrangements
- Draft legally binding financial agreements
- Minimise stress and delays
Working with a solicitor gives you peace of mind and a clearer path forward.
Get expert help with civil partnership dissolution
If you’re ending a civil partnership and want clear, professional support at every stage, our team at Osbourne Pinner Solicitors is here to help. We’ll guide you through your legal rights, support you with paperwork and ensure your finances and family are protected.
Book your free 30-minute consultation with a specialist family law solicitor today. Complete the form below, call 0203 983 5080, email [email protected]. We’re available via video call or in person at our offices in London (Harrow, Canary Wharf or Piccadilly Circus) or Manchester City Centre.
