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Divorce & Family Law

Civil partnership dissolution in the UK

Ending a civil partnership is as disheartening as ending a marriage.

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Ending a civil partnership is as disheartening as ending a marriage. Though the two are different, emotional detachment is more or less the same. Some people find it sad and confusing to go through a dissolution. Once you are sure you want to go through the dissolution process, Austin Kemp will give you all the legal support you need.

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How can Austin Kemp help you?

A “civil partnership” refers to a same or opposite-sex couple’s union under a legal arrangement. It is this arrangement that gives gay and lesbian couples legal standing. The arrangement has legal recognition, like marriage.

Visit Austin Kemp, whose team of experienced solicitors will help you navigate the dissolution process.

Austin Kemp specialises in family law in the UK. Here you will find an expert team of 15 solicitors ready to serve you anytime. At Austin Kemp, you get a specific solicitor to handle your case. They will help you file all documentation on time and offer legal advice.

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The Process

A civil partnership is a legal relationship involving two parties who may be of the same or opposite gender. On June 27, 2018, the UK Supreme Court made civil partnerships legal for heterosexual couples and couples of the same gender. The comprehensive civil partnership law is contained in the Civil Partnership Act of 2004.

The civil partnership dissolution process starts with an application to dissolve, which is made by filing a petition at court. Notably, your partnership must be more than one year old. Application to end civil partnerships in the UK is made online or through the post. The applicant must pay the court fee, currently £593 and wait 6 months from the start to the end of the process.

During the application process, you will need to provide the current address of your civil partner, as the court will directly furnish them with a copy of the application. If you are still determining their whereabouts, other options do exist.

Partners who use the online application process need a ready debit or credit card when making the application. To apply via post, fill out a dissolution application form. Citizens Advice Office will help you with questions or fill out the form.

Once duly filled, send a copy to HMCTS Divorce and Dissolution Service and retain a copy. Applicants who use the post have two payment options; use a cheque payable to HM Courts and Tribunals Service or pay through a debit or credit card. When you choose a debit card, HM Courts customer support will advise you on how to make the payment.

After making an application to end a civil partnership, having satisfied the court that the petition has been served, the next step in the process is to apply for a conditional order. You do this by filing a statement in support with the court. The conditional order is a document issued by the court stating that the court sees no reason why you should not proceed to end the civil partnership.

At any point after the conditional order, the court is able to make a binding financial order by consent or following an application by either party.

The final order is the last document issued, which confirms that the civil partnership has ended. You are then free to marry or enter another civil partnership – but be sure to take legal advice before you do so if a financial court order has not been obtained.

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How Long Does It Take?

The civil partnership dissolution usually takes slightly over six months. Where you need to make a financial application, this time may increase.

After issuing the dissolution petition, you have to wait 20 weeks before being able to file the statement to apply for the conditional order. You can then apply for the final order six weeks and one day after the conditional order is pronounced.

Within six to nine months, the entire dissolution process should be complete, unless there are complications to resolve.

There are limited exceptions where the court is able to expedite the dissolution process, for example if one partner is terminally ill and wishes for the dissolution to be completed quickly.

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How Much Does It Cost?

Court fees in the UK do change from time to time. However, in this article’s writing, the civil dissolution cost is £593. The court may grant you a waiver if you are a low-income earner. You can also apply for ‘help with fees’ for court fee reduction.

Both partners should contribute to the court fees if making a joint application for dissolution. Additional costs will apply if you instruct a solicitor. Those costs vary depending on their rates. You may need a solicitor if you have experienced domestic abuse or have a complicated matter.

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What Are the Consequences?

  • Civil partnership dissolution is an expensive process. The court fee is a hefty £593, and there will be further costs if you require the services of a solicitor.
  • Civil partner dissolution may lead to property divisions and animosity. You may be required to share or sell property and split the proceeds equally.
  • Depending on the situation, the court may award spousal maintenance.
  • Dissolution leads to the splitting of the time children spend with each parent. Some partners may have full custody, while others share custody.

With the help of a solicitor, the civil partnership dissolution can be a seamless process. It allows the experts to deal with your best interests, and you concentrate on what matters to you. Solicitors offer expert legal advice to help partners leave and separate with minimal animosity.

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Civil Partnership Advice

Austin Kemp Blog Post
19/05/21

What is a Civil Partnership?

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Austin Kemp Blog Post
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First Class Service

Choose Austin Kemp and you'll get a premium service in all areas. We aren't the cheapest out there, but what we are is the best solution to help you get what you deserve.

Impeccable Advice

Our advice and strategy is second to none. Not all law firms are created equal. Because we're specialists, our depth of knowledge is often the edge that makes the difference.

Challenging Thinking

We work with you to get what you deserve. We don't mean that it's going to be easy – but we're here to support you every part of the journey.

Industry Leading Professionals

We have A-players at every level. We employ the best of the best, and that's why our clients choose us. Because getting the right solicitor can mean your future takes a different path.

The Right Fit

We'll make sure you have a solicitor that fits your case type. If you want a certain approach to your case – we'll make sure your solicitor has the right style for you.

Empathy

We know that getting a divorce divides your world into two. We're here to guide you through the uncertainty and emotional rollercoaster. One step at a time.

Talk to us now on 0333 311 0925

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