How do you end a Civil Partnership? – Civil Partnership Dissolution

• Posted onMarch 2, 2026

A Clear Guide to Civil Partnership Dissolution in England and Wales

To legally end a civil partnership, you must apply to the court for a civil partnership dissolution. The process is very similar to divorce and, since 6 April 2022, you no longer need to give a reason for the breakdown. You must have been in the civil partnership for at least one year, and the court must be satisfied that the partnership has irretrievably broken down. (Originally posted October 2022, updated March 2026)

What Is a Civil Partnership?

A civil partnership is a legal union that can be entered into by:

• A same‑sex couple
• A couple of the opposite sex

It provides legal recognition in a similar way to marriage, but without religious significance or ties.

How Civil Partnerships Compare to Marriage

For opposite‑sex couples, marriage has historically provided legal protection if the relationship ended. These protections came from the Matrimonial Causes Act, which allowed separating spouses to make claims relating to:

• The family home
• Savings
• Pensions
• Other assets held jointly or in sole names

This was particularly important for the financially weaker party, even where assets were not held in their own name.

Why Civil Partnerships Were Introduced

Marriage was not originally available to same‑sex couples, meaning the law could not offer the same level of protection and fairness.

As the UK entered the new millennium, it was widely recognised that this inequality could not continue. This led to the introduction of the Civil Partnership Act 2004, which allowed same‑sex couples to enter into civil partnerships. If these partnerships ended, the legislation broadly mirrored the Matrimonial Causes Act.

Changes in the Law Affecting Civil Partnerships

Over time, the legal landscape evolved:

• The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 allowed same‑sex couples to marry
• Following a court ruling in 2018, opposite‑sex couples can now also enter into civil partnerships

Today, both same‑sex and opposite‑sex couples can choose to marry or form a civil partnership.

How Do You End a Civil Partnership?

Do You Have to Go to Court?

Yes. As with marriage, a civil partnership can only be legally ended by applying to the court.

• Divorce applies to marriages
• Dissolution applies to civil partnerships

While the terminology differs, the process itself is very similar.

When Can You Apply for Civil Partnership Dissolution?

You must wait a minimum of one year from the date the civil partnership was formed before applying for dissolution.

Once this one‑year period has passed, you can submit a dissolution application to the court.

Do You Need a Reason to End a Civil Partnership?

Since 6 April 2022, you do not need to provide a reason for the dissolution.

Instead, you simply state that the civil partnership has irretrievably broken down. The application can be made:

• By one party alone, or
• Jointly by both partners

What Happens After You Apply?

Once the application is issued:

1. The other party has 14 days to file an Acknowledgment of Service
2. There are now only limited circumstances in which a dissolution can be contested
3. 20 weeks after the proceedings are issued, you can apply for the Conditional Order
4. 6 weeks and 1 day after the Conditional Order is pronounced, you can apply for the Final Order

The Final Order legally brings the civil partnership to an end.

What About Finances When Ending a Civil Partnership?

As with divorce, it is essential to consider how finances will be divided.

You should aim to:

• Reach an agreement with your partner
• Have that agreement recorded in a financial order approved by the court

It is often advisable to do this before the Final Order is granted.

When Should Financial Matters Be Resolved?

In most cases, it is sensible to try to agree on financial separation during the 20‑week period between:

• The issuing of the proceedings, and
• The pronouncement of the Conditional Order

This helps ensure clarity and protection for both parties as the dissolution progresses.

Getting Legal Advice on Ending a Civil Partnership/ Civil Partnership Dissolution

Ending a civil partnership involves important legal and financial considerations. Specialist advice can help ensure the process is handled correctly and efficiently.

For expert family law advice, you can contact WSP Solicitors’ local offices supporting Gloucester, Stroud, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury or the Forest of Dean, or use their online enquiry form to request a callback.