Civil partnerships

 

How long will it take to dissolve a civil partnership?

The dissolution of a civil partnership which is accepted and straightforward is likely to take between 4 and 6 months. This is exactly the same as for a divorce. However if there are any other issues to resolve such as the arrangements for children or a financial settlement then these generally take longer.

 

 

How much does it cost to dissolve a civil partnership they cost?

A fixed fee is available for uncontested cases of £425 plus vat and disbursements (court fees of £340). If there are other aspects to your separation which require resolution such as financial or children act matters then these will not be included in the fixed fee and you will be advised of the costs of these cases separately and certainly before any work is commenced on your behalf.

However it may be that you will qualify for assistance from the Government and this is known as the Legal Help Scheme. Details of the scheme can be found on the Legal Services Commission’s website, www.legalservices.gov.uk. If you bring up to date evidence of your current income to your appointment then we can carry out an eligibility assessment then.

 

My relationship with my partner has broken down, can I get a divorce?

If the relationship has irretrievably broken down then it is possible to apply for the civil partnership to be dissolved provided more than a year has passed since you registered your civil partnership.

The procedure is the same as that for a divorce save that it is not possible to issue proceedings on the basis of adultery. All the grounds for divorce and the procedure are outlined in the leaflet entitled Undefended Divorce – A Short Guide.

 

Will I have to go to Court?
 
The vast majority of cases are dealt with by the Court without either party having to attend Court as usually both parties will both agree that the partnership has irretrievably broken down even if the particulars as to how this occurred are disputed.
 
One question which will arise in the proceedings is who is going to pay the costs? If an agreement on costs cannot be negotiated then the Court will often give the parties the opportunity to attend a short hearing at the time the Decree Nisi is pronounced to deal with the issue of costs.

 

Will the Court also sort out the finances? 

The Court will not automatically become involved in resolving the financial matters following the dissolution of a civil partnership or a divorce. However if it is not possible to reach an agreement with your ex-partner then the same range of remedies that are available to divorcing couples are available to civil partners and a court application can be made.
 
The Court procedure and the factors that the court will take into account when determining a settlement can be found on the leaflet Finances upon Divorce.
 
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