Civil Partnership Solicitors

Our nationally renowned family team can explain the different legal procedures that might apply if your civil partnership breaks down and can advise you on how any subsequent dissolution could affect your financial circumstances.

What happens with civil partnerships?

A civil partnership is the registration of a relationship between two members of the same sex or two members of the opposite sex.

Civil partners are treated in the same way as married couples for some tax purposes and many benefits. Most pension entitlement has been brought into line with that enjoyed by married people.

Civil partners have a duty to maintain each other and any children of the partnership. They are also able to acquire parental responsibility for their partners’ children in certain circumstances and adopt a child jointly.

Why choose our civil partnership team?

We can explain the different legal procedures that might apply if the civil partnership breaks down
We can advise you on how any subsequent dissolution could affect your financial circumstances
We are recognised as a leading firm in the Legal 500 (2025 Edition) and are Top Ranked in the Chambers & Partners (2025 edition).
You can trust our team to take a sensitive, empathetic approach to your personal situation

Call our nationally renowned family team to find out how we can help you.

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Is civil partnership like a marriage?

Yes and no. The eligibility criteria are broadly similar. Each party must not already be married or a civil partner and must not be under 16 years old or closely related. You have to provide 29 days notice to your local register office after which you can register your civil partnership by signing a civil partnership schedule in front of a registrar and two witnesses. There cannot be a religious element to the ceremony.

What about ending the civil partnership? Is it like a "divorce"?

A civil partnership can be ended by death, dissolution or annulment. As with divorce, dissolution is a court-based process. The ground for ending the partnership is irretrievable breakdown of the relationship.

A civil partner will not be able to apply for a Dissolution Order until a year has elapsed since the formation of the partnership. Once 20 weeks have passed since the application, they can apply for Conditional Dissolution Order and then six weeks and one day after that has been pronounced they can apply for it to be finalised, similar to a divorce.

What about finances on ending a civil partnership?

The courts have the power to make provision for the division of property, pension sharing the maintenance of either civil partner and residence, as well as contact with, and maintenance of, any children of the partnership. The type of orders that can be made and matters that should be taken into account are closely allied to those in divorce legislation.

“I felt confident with the information I was provided and that they were working in the best interest of me and my children.”

Chambers & Partners, 2024

“They are highly skilled and knowledgeable, providing timely responses and good information.”

Chambers & Partners, 2024

“Freeths are absolutely fantastic. They are on top of everything at every stage and work seamlessly as a team.”

Chambers & Partners, 2024