Legal help to dissolve your partnership
Separating from your partner is a difficult and emotional time. If you would like advice on separating from your civil partner, our team of experienced family law solicitors in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham can offer support and guidance throughout the civil partnership dissolution process.
Need advice? Contact us to find out how we can help
What our clients say about us…
How do you legally end a civil partnership?
In order to end a civil partnership, one of the civil partners must petition the Court for a dissolution order. These proceedings cannot start until one year after the civil partnership was registered.
Under the Civil Partnership Act 2004, there is only one ground for dissolving a civil partnership, which is the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship. There has to be evidence of this for one of the following reasons:
- Unreasonable behaviour;
- Separation for two years with the consent of the other civil partner;
- Desertion for two years; or
- Separation for five years.
The dissolution proceedings then continue in the same way as a traditional divorce. Once they have started, either party to the civil partnership is entitled to apply for financial provisions which can include:
- Maintenance;
- A lump sum;
- The transfer of property;
- A pension share; or
- Other assets in sole or joint names.
How our solicitors can support you with your civil partnership dissolution
At Nelsons, our team of specialist family law solicitors is one of the largest in the East Midlands. The team have many years of experience in dealing with civil partnership dissolution cases and our experience ensures that we will give you the best advice about your circumstances, as well as support you throughout the dissolution process.
We can also provide legal advice if you are planning to enter into a civil partnership, to protect your position through a pre-registration agreement which is treated in the same way as a pre-nuptial agreement.
Our team of family law solicitors includes:
- Resolution Accredited Specialists
- Law Society Family Panel & Advanced Family Panel members
- Law Society Children Panel Members
Our expertise in family law is also recognised by the independently researched directories, The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.
For further advice regarding the dissolution of a civil partnership, please contact our specialist team of family law solicitors in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online enquiry form to see how we can help.
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“Accomplished practice noted for both matrimonial and childcare matters. Appropriately equipped to assist with public and private children law, including adoptions, child abductions and non-accidental injury cases. Active in high-value financial remedy matters, including those involving trusts, commercial assets and cross-border aspects.”
Chambers and Partners
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"Nelsons Solicitors Limited has an experienced family and children law practice, and is noted for its strength in cases with an international element. The family team...regularly advises high-net-worth individuals on financial relief cases. Melanie Bridgen, who heads up the children team, is experienced in complex children proceedings; this includes matters concerning international relocation, parental alienation and non-accidental injuries."
The Legal 500
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"Nelsons...is a leading firm in family law. They represent people from all walks of life and always give 110% to all of their cases. Their diversity is exceptional. Unlike other solicitors they are always on hand to speak by phone or email, night or day or weekend. They will take the most challenging pro bono cases to ensure that clients have the best representation and advocacy."
The Legal 500 2023
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"Midlands powerhouse Nelsons Solicitors Limited houses family law specialists in each of its three offices, led by Emma Davies (in Nottingham); Melanie Bridgen (Derby)...The firm is particularly recommended for its capabilities in dealing with international children law cases, a specialism of Bridgen, as well as, surrogacy, unravelling trusts, complex business arrangements and divorce. ‘Outstanding’ director Gayle Rowley has built up a specialisation in financial remedies and private children law."
The Legal 500 2023
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"Superb family law team, class A and the absolute go to in children law and financial relief on divorce. They far outweigh their competitors in every aspect. The people provide hands on support and client care from the outset concentrating on strategy and approach. Given their wealth of experience, they are financially competitive."
Referee feedback provided to The Legal 500 2024
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"Nelsons are an well-established and highly respected firm, deservedly so. They cover a number of disciplines with the utmost professionalism. They are a pleasure to deal with and prominent in the local legal community."
Referee feedback provided to The Legal 500 2024
