Civil partnerships
Our team is well-versed in the legal intricacies surrounding civil partnerships
Support and advice for same-sex couples
Civil partnership holds almost identical legal equivalence to marriage. The process of dissolution for civil partnership is akin to divorce, although the grounds for dissolution may vary slightly. Financial settlements upon the dissolution of a civil partnership follow the same principles as those in divorce cases.
These legal similarities between civil partnership and marriage ensure that civil partners enjoy similar rights and protections, contributing to the recognition and equal treatment of same-sex couples under the law.
What happens if a civil partnership breaks down?
Similar to divorce proceedings, you cannot apply for a dissolution of a civil partnership until the first anniversary of its formation. The process for dissolving a civil partnership is essentially the same as that of divorce, with one key distinction being the terminology used. Instead of filing for a divorce, in the case of civil partnership, the legal action is termed an “application for dissolution.” Other than this difference in wording, the essential steps and procedures involved in both processes are quite similar.
How is a civil partnership dissolved?
To successfully dissolve a civil partnership, you must submit an application to the court, seeking permission to terminate the relationship. This application, known as a “dissolution order,” can only be made after the first year of the civil partnership has elapsed.
In your application, you will need to present a statement stating that the partnership has irretrievably broken down. Unlike before, the traditional ‘facts’ previously relied upon to prove this are no longer applicable, as they have been eliminated in a similar fashion to the no-fault divorce process.
To avoid court hearings, it is beneficial to reach prior agreements on crucial aspects such as finances, child care arrangements and property division. Waiting until these matters are settled before proceeding with the dissolution is generally advisable.
How Jones Myers can help
We have extensive experience in handling a wide range of matters concerning same-sex couples, starting from the negotiation of pre-marriage and pre-civil partnership agreements to guiding them through the separation, divorce, and dissolution process.
Our team is well-versed in the legal intricacies surrounding civil partnerships, ensuring we provide tailored support and advice to same-sex couples throughout their journey.