A civil partnership is more than just a symbolic commitment — it’s a legal status that offers couples many of the same rights and responsibilities as marriage. Initially introduced in 2004 for same-sex couples, civil partnerships were extended to heterosexual couples in England and Wales in 2018, offering everyone the option of a legally recognized union without traditional marriage.
But what happens when a civil partnership breaks down? Understanding the dissolution process is key whether you’ve grown apart or made a mutual decision to separate.
Can You End a Civil Partnership?
Yes, but not immediately. Before you can apply to dissolve your civil partnership, you must have been in the relationship for at least one year. You’ll also need your original civil partnership certificate or a certified copy, which is submitted to the court as part of the application.
The Legal Grounds for Dissolution
Since 6 April 2022, ending a civil partnership in England and Wales has been simplified. There’s now only one legal ground for dissolution:
👉 The civil partnership has broken down irretrievably.
There’s no longer any need to provide reasons like unreasonable behaviour or periods of separation. Instead, you submit a statement (or tick a box) confirming that the relationship has irretrievably broken down. That’s it — no blame, no drama.
Starting the Process: What You Need to Know
While you can apply for dissolution online and manage the process yourself, many seek advice from a specialist family law solicitor. Although the court clerks can help with paperwork, they can’t give legal advice or ensure everything is done correctly. Mistakes in the forms can cause frustrating delays.
Step-by-Step Guide to Dissolving a Civil Partnership
1. Application
One partner (the “applicant”) files the dissolution application with the court and pays the court fee. If it’s not a joint application, the other partner becomes the “respondent” and receives a copy of the application.
2. Acknowledgement of Service
The respondent must confirm receipt by filling in an acknowledgement of service form and returning it to the court within 14 days.
3. Contested vs. Uncontested
If both parties agree to end the civil partnership, it’s considered uncontested. If the respondent disagrees, it’s contested, though post-2022 reforms mean the grounds for challenging a dissolution are now extremely limited.
4. Cooling-Off Period
Before proceeding, there is a 20-week reflection period from the date the application is issued. This gives both partners time to consider their decision.
5. Conditional Order
Once the 20 weeks have passed, the applicant can confirm they want to continue. If everything’s in order, the court will issue a conditional order, essentially saying the court agrees the partnership can be dissolved — but it’s not final yet.
6. Final Order
Six weeks and one day after the conditional order, the applicant can apply for the final order, which officially ends the civil partnership. If the applicant doesn’t act, the respondent can apply after another three months. This document is your legal proof that the partnership has ended, so keep it safe.
Moving Forward
Ending a civil partnership can be an emotional and complex experience — but legally, the process has been made more straightforward and accessible. Whether navigating this on your own or seeking guidance from a legal professional, knowing what to expect can help you feel more in control during a transition.
Need Legal Advice?
If you’re considering ending a civil partnership and want to ensure everything is handled correctly, speaking with a family law expert can make all the difference. Contact us today for your free 30-minute telephone consultation.