Civil Partnership Dissolution Solicitors
Free initial civil partnership consultations with our family law experts
We support civil partners through every step of their relationship breakdown.

Civil partnerships FAQs
What is a civil partnership?
A civil partnership is an alternative way of formalising a relationship for couples who do not wish to enter into marriage.
Who can enter into a civil partnership?
A civil partnership is open to both same-sex and heterosexual couples as an alternative to marriage.
What does this mean?
This enables the couple to show their commitment to each other without the connotations of marriage.
What is the process to bring a civil partnership to an end?
The same as a Decree Absolute is granted when concluding a divorce, a Final Order is also required to legally dissolve a civil partnership. The basic process is to request and submit a D8 application form to the courts. 20 weeks after submission, you can apply for a Conditional Order. This will state that the courts see no obvious reason why a civil partnership dissolution cannot be granted. Lastly, a Final Order can be applied for (within 12 months), and it is this Order that officially dissolves the partnership.
When can this be done?
As with marriage, this can be only done once you have been in the civil partnership for at least a year.
What must you show for the Court to conclude that the relationship has broken down?
The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (DDSA 2020) was passed to provide couples the option to apply for a no-fault dissolution. This means that no specific reasoning has to be satisfied, other than a statement to the court to express that the partnership has irretrievably broken down.
What happens next?
Once the Court is satisfied that the civil partnership has broken down, they will grant a Conditional Order (Decree Nisi) and subsequently a Final Order (Decree Absolute).
Does dissolution include resolving any financial issues?
The dissolution process does not include the financial arrangements. As with Divorce, this is a separate process. We would recommend that advice is taken in respect of the financial aspect of your relationship.
How long does the dissolution process take?
It is dependent on the speed of the court but should take approximately 4 – 6 months.
How can I find out more?
You can find out more by booking an Initial Fixed Fee Interview with one of our team
Can’t see what you’re looking for?
Send us your questions via the contact form and we will be happy to assist.
See what our customers say…
Flat buying process
I used Eric Robinson Solicitors to help purchase my first home and Chantelle couldn’t have been more helpful with the process, she constantly gave me updates and was very helpful with any inquiries I had, would definitely recommend them if you’re buying a home.
Sylvia Garcia
Sylvia Garcia, delt with the selling of my mums flat. It turned into a marathon, due to the buyers solicitors being incompetent and the buyer stalling for time. Sylvia was very much on my side but it was an emotional time for me. Sylvia was very professional with emails and always got back to me when l left a message. As an older person l would have liked to engage with someone face to face and didn’t realise Sylvia was working remotely. But, we got there in the end. And l thank her for her time and patience.
Great service
I found Terry Campbell-Barnard to be very knowledgeable and to have a very practical approach with a great attention to detail. His work was also undertaken in a very timely manner. I can therefore very much recommend him.
Helpful conveyancing team
Thanks to Sylvia Garcia and her team I successfully completed my flat purchase. As a first time buyer, she simplified the conveyance process and was very patient, polite and understanding, helping me resolve a tricky situation and getting the transaction over the line.
Smooth and efficient operations working…
Smooth and efficient operations working with Emma Gillespie and Megan Harding
Excellent solicitor at Eric Robinson in…
Excellent solicitor at Eric Robinson in Chandlers Ford. Honest and professional person who answered my questions and completed the task efficiently.
Flat buying process
I used Eric Robinson Solicitors to help purchase my first home and Chantelle couldn’t have been more helpful with the process, she constantly gave me updates and was very helpful with any inquiries I had, would definitely recommend them if you’re buying a home.
Sylvia Garcia
Sylvia Garcia, delt with the selling of my mums flat. It turned into a marathon, due to the buyers solicitors being incompetent and the buyer stalling for time. Sylvia was very much on my side but it was an emotional time for me. Sylvia was very professional with emails and always got back to me when l left a message. As an older person l would have liked to engage with someone face to face and didn’t realise Sylvia was working remotely. But, we got there in the end. And l thank her for her time and patience.
Great service
I found Terry Campbell-Barnard to be very knowledgeable and to have a very practical approach with a great attention to detail. His work was also undertaken in a very timely manner. I can therefore very much recommend him.
Helpful conveyancing team
Thanks to Sylvia Garcia and her team I successfully completed my flat purchase. As a first time buyer, she simplified the conveyance process and was very patient, polite and understanding, helping me resolve a tricky situation and getting the transaction over the line.
Smooth and efficient operations working…
Smooth and efficient operations working with Emma Gillespie and Megan Harding
Excellent solicitor at Eric Robinson in…
Excellent solicitor at Eric Robinson in Chandlers Ford. Honest and professional person who answered my questions and completed the task efficiently.
Key contacts
Latest family law insights

New Laws for Cohabiting Couples in the UK

Grounds For Full Custody of a Child in the UK

Divorce Asset Splits Explained – 50/50, 70/30 or 80/20
Book a free family law consultation
Why choose Eric Robinson Solictors?
- Straightforward jargon free advice that is tailored to your specific needs
- Cost effective legal services that give you peace of mind
- Providing expert and trustworthy legal advice for over 60 years
- 6 offices located throughout Hampshire and London
Get in touch
Related family law services
Divorce Solicitors
A divorce Solicitor can guide you through the process quickly and efficiently.
Child Matters
We will work hard to negotiate an arrangement for the children that both parties, and the children themselves, are happy with.
Cohabitation
We advise and support unmarried couples who are separating, and help them deal with the financial consequences.
Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements
Few marrying couples consider the financial consequences of a potential split.
Domestic Abuse
Our experience as domestic abuse Solicitors shows that abuse affects anyone and can take many forms, impacting individuals and families.
Separation Agreements
A separation agreement is for couples who intend to separate and need a legal document for financial arrangements.
Change of Name
There are a number of reasons as to why someone may wish to change their name.
Mediation
At Eric Robinson Solicitors, we help couples deal with and effectively manage the practicalities of separating.