Civil partnership dissolution and same sex divorce

Dissolution of a civil partnership

The basis upon which a partnership can be dissolved is that the ‘civil partnership has broken down irretrievably’. No application for dissolution can be made within a year of registration.

If you are going through a break down in your relationship it is important that you receive sympathetic but clear legal advice. Furley Page has experience of advising on the dissolution of civil partnerships.

Financial provisions upon dissolution of a civil partnership

The ground for claiming that the civil partnership has broken down is the same as for divorce, that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. This too is a no fault process.

The Court will have powers to make provision for financial relief in the same way as upon the breakdown of a marriage.

The Court may make:

• Maintenance and lump sum orders
• Property adjustment orders
• Orders for sale
• Pension sharing orders

In certain circumstances civil partners may not wish to apply for dissolution of the civil partnership and instead may apply for a separation order. A separation order is similar to a judicial separation.

Proceedings may be commenced within the first year of the partnership, but there is no requirement to establish that the partnership has irretrievably broken down.

Same sex divorce

The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 enabled same sex couples to marry, either in a civil ceremony (ie a register office or approved premises). Or on religious premises with the marriage being solemnised through a religious ceremony.

The key provision is that such marriages are the same as marriages between a man and a woman under the law of England and Wales and the divorce process is the same.

The Court can make exactly the same range of orders for financial provision, or in relation to children for a same sex couple on divorce, as they can for a heterosexual couple.

Choose Furley Page for advice civil partnerships disputes and same sex divorce

Our Family law team has been dealing with civil partnership disputes since dissolutions became possible in 2007, so we have considerable experience in this area of law.

We can also advise you on same sex divorce. Contact Rayma Collins to find out how we can help you.