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Civil Partnership Dissolution

Civil partnership dissolution including for same-sex couples. Tunbridge Wells solicitors

Supporting you at every stage of civil partnership dissolution.

If you are considering ending your civil partnership, it is natural to feel uncertain or overwhelmed therefore it is important to understand the steps involved

In order to commence the dissolution, you must be in your civil partnership for at least one year.

The dissolution process is completed online. We will require your original civil partnership certificate or a certified copy to make the application. There is a court fee of £593 to pay.

Dissolving a civil partnership involves a straightforward legal process, similar to divorce.

  • One or both civil partners submit an application to the court to dissolve the civil partnership. The application is based on the relationship irretrievably breaking down. There is no need to assign blame.

  • The other civil partner (the respondent) acknowledges receipt of the application. This step is not needed in joint applications.

  • Once the application is officially issued by the court, there is a mandatory 20-week reflection period before the next step. During this time, you can consider financial matters arising from the dissolution.

  • After the 20-week reflection period you can apply for a conditional order (previously known as the decree nisi), which confirms you are entitled to dissolve your civil partnership.

  • After at least six weeks from the conditional order, you can apply for the final order (previously known as the decree absolute). Once issued, the civil partnership is officially dissolved.

How long will my dissolution take?

At a minimum, the dissolution process takes around 6 months, but the exact duration will depend on several factors.

The legal process of ending a civil partnership is independent of both financial settlements and child arrangements (if applicable), which are negotiated separately. The complexity of your case, the level of cooperation and court schedules may influence how long the dissolution takes.

Help with the dissolution process.

At Thomas Mansfield Family Law, we guide you through each stage of the dissolution, ensuring you stay on track and feel supported.

We simplify the paperwork, helping you complete essential forms like the dissolution application accurately and efficiently to minimise delays.

What clients say about us

Thomas Mansfield has an exceptional and highly collaborative team. Whenever my key point of contact has been away, issues are quickly picked up and dealt with by other members of the team, all of whom appear to have a great, collective and collaborative understanding of their clients’ issues.

Getting started is easy.

Get in touch. Our friendly team is looking forward to hearing from you and understanding your concerns and objectives. If we can't speak with you straight away we'll arrange a convenient time to discuss your case. We'll handle your case with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality.

Tailored advice. We'll review your case and provide clear and tailored advice on your options and costs. We aim to provide you with all the necessary information to make informed decisions about your case.

Proceed with strategy. Once you decide to proceed, our team will develop a tailored strategy, handle all necessary documentation and guide you every step of the way.

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Frequently asked questions

How does online divorce work?
In 2022, the UK government launched an online divorce portal to simplify the process for couples whose marriage has irretrievably broken down. Applications can be made by one person or jointly by both, with the process taking at least six months, provided there are no delays and documents are submitted on time. For those considering an online divorce, it's crucial to address all aspects, especially child arrangements and financial settlements, to avoid complications. At Thomas Mansfield Family Law, we guide clients through this process, ensuring every detail is handled smoothly.
How does the divorce process work?

The divorce process starts with filing a divorce application (previously known as a petition). After a 20-week reflection period, a conditional order (previously known as the decree nisi) is granted, and six weeks later, you can apply for the final order (previously known as decree absolute) to officially end the marriage.

The legal process of ending a marriage is independent of both financial settlements and child arrangements, which are agreed separately. Thomas Mansfield Family Law can guide you through the online divorce process, ensuring no mistakes are made which may impact your finances and child arrangements.

How much does a divorce cost?

The cost of a divorce can vary depending on the complexity of your case and whether you reach agreements easily or need court involvement. The main fees include the court filing fee, which is currently £593 in England and Wales.

If you use a solicitor, legal costs will depend on the level of support needed, such as handling paperwork, negotiations or complex financial and child arrangements. Mediation or out of court methods can help reduce costs.

We offer transparent quotes tailored to individual circumstances. An initial consultation will provide you with an estimate based on the specifics of your case.

What are the key considerations in a high net worth divorce?
Asset valuation, tax implications and future financial planning are key factors in high net worth divorces. It's crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of all marital and non-marital assets, including real estate, business interests, investments and other financial holdings.
Are there differences in the process for civil partnerships and same-sex divorce?

Civil partnerships and same-sex marriages are legally distinct, but the process for dissolving them (often referred to as 'civil partnership dissolution' and 'same-sex divorce') is largely similar.

Both processes follow the legal frameworks established to handle relationship breakdowns, focusing on fair division of finances, arrangements for children and emotional wellbeing. However, there are some differences in terminology and valid grounds for ending the relationship.

Is Islamic divorce recognised in England and Wales?
In most cases, no. An Islamic divorce (such as talaq or khula) carried out in England and Wales has no legal effect under English law. It does not legally end a marriage or resolve financial matters. A civil divorce through the Family Court is required to legally dissolve a marriage. In limited circumstances, an Islamic divorce granted overseas may be recognised, but this depends on strict legal criteria and should be checked carefully.
What happens if we can't agree divorce terms?

If you and your spouse can't agree on the terms of your divorce, you can try negotiating through solicitors, using mediation, or opting for collaborative law to find a compromise. These methods focus on finding mutually acceptable solutions without the need for court involvement.

However, if these approaches don't work, you may need to take the matter to court, where a judge will make legally binding decisions on key issues like finances and child arrangements. If one party doesn't comply with the court's ruling, legal enforcement may be needed.

At Thomas Mansfield Family Law, we work to help clients avoid court by encouraging amicable solutions through negotiation and mediation. However, if court involvement becomes necessary, we offer expert representation to protect your interests.

Ready to talk things through?

Speak with our family law solicitors.

Family matters often involve important decisions about your future and your children. Our experienced family law solicitors provide thoughtful, specialist advice tailored to your circumstances.

Complete our form to arrange an initial discussion, or call us to speak directly with our family law team.

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