Ending a Civil Partnership
Ending any kind of relationship is a difficult prospect. At Barber & Co we have a qualified team of civil partnership solicitors who can support and represent you through the process of ending your civil partnership.
Dissolving a civil partnership is similar to ending a marriage, though there are some differences which you should be aware of. You can only apply for a formal ending to your relationship if you have been in a civil partnership for at least a year.
There are three main steps to ending a civil partnership:
- File a dissolution petition: this is when you apply for the court’s permission to end your partnership. You must also detail the reasons why you wish to split.
- Apply for a conditional order: this is the next step once your partner has agreed to the petition. You will then get a document saying there is no reason why you cannot dissolve your civil partnership.
- Apply for a final order: this legally ends your civil partnership. You can only apply for the final order six weeks and one day after you get the conditional order.
Similar to divorce proceedings, you have to state the reasons why your – your civil partnership has irretrievably broken down. You can choose between –
Unreasonable behaviour
This includes:
- Physical or mental cruelty
- Verbal or physical abuse
- Bring irresponsible with money
- Being sexually unfaithful
Desertion
This means that your partner has left you for the following reasons:
- Without your agreement
- Without good reason
- To end your relationship
- For 2 years out of the last 2.5 years
- Separation for over 2 years with consent
- Separation for over 5 years
Mediation and the court
If you or your partner do not agree about how to resolve financial issues or what arrangements there should be for the children this may result in you having to solve issues through mediation. If your case cannot be resolved through mediation, then it will go to court and it will be up to a judge to decide what is fair for both parties.
Separation agreements for civil partners
If you are not quite ready to legally dissolve your civil partnership, your solicitor can have a separation agreement drawn up. This can include such details as to how the assets of the partnership will be divided, who will live in the family home, childcare arrangements, maintenance and how bills and debts will be paid upon separation. It is worth noting, however, that separation agreements are not always legally binding documents and do not necessarily represent what will happen should your dissolution proceedings go to court.
If you need understanding and trusted legal advice on dissolving your civil partnership then contact Barber & Co today. We have civil partnership lawyers across our three offices in Preston, Ramsbottom and Darwen.
