# Civil partnership dissolution Last updated: 2026-11-09 # Civil partnership dissolution solicitors Ending a civil partnership is called dissolution. When you instruct Rushton Family Law, we take care of the legal process from start to finish and make sure it fits with everything else that needs resolving, particularly the finances and any arrangements for children. ### Civil partnership dissolution at a glance - Dissolution is no-fault, and you can apply alone or jointly. - You must have been in the civil partnership for at least a year before applying. - The process follows the same three stages as a divorce: the application, the conditional order and the final order. - The legal process takes around seven months at minimum. - Civil partners have the same financial claims as spouses, but these need a separate agreement or court order. [Book my free consultation](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/contact) ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2751/174-33-def/rushton-family-law-white.png) #### Specialist Divorce and Family Lawyers Rushton provides discreet representation for divorce, financial settlements, and arrangements for children. We treat every case with the care it deserves, without losing sight of what actually needs to get done. [Contact us](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/contact) When it really matters # Getting advice on dissolving a civil partnership We start by understanding where things stand. That means how long you have been separated, what assets are involved, and whether there are children to think about. If your partnership was registered abroad, or either of you has connections to another country, we will look at that early, as it can affect where the dissolution should take place. From there, we will advise you on the best approach, including whether to apply on your own or jointly, and when to start. ### How civil partnership dissolution works Dissolution follows the same stages as a divorce. We prepare and submit the application and deal with the court on your behalf. If your partner has applied, we handle your response and make sure any deadlines are met. After a minimum of 20 weeks, we apply for the conditional order. Six weeks after that, the final order can be applied for, which legally ends the civil partnership. As with divorce, applying for the final order too early can affect your financial position, so we will advise you on the right time. ### Financial settlements on dissolution Civil partners have the same financial claims on dissolution as spouses do on divorce, covering property, pensions, businesses and maintenance. The 20-week period is usually when that work gets underway. ### Contact us ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/3030/33-32-def/icon-phone.png) Telephone [020 3148 3379](tel:+442031483379) Phone lines are open 24 hours ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/3031/32-32-def/icon-whatsapp.png) WhatsApp [**07762 061670**](https://wa.me/447762061670) Scan QR to open WhatsApp ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/3032/87-87-def/whatsapp-qr.png) RELATED SERVICES [Expert divorce solicitors](https://cms.rushtonfamilylaw.com/services/divorce-and-separation/divorce/) [Separation solicitors](https://cms.rushtonfamilylaw.com/services/divorce-and-separation/separation/) [Annulment solicitors](https://cms.rushtonfamilylaw.com/services/annulment) RELATED GUIDES [Religious Divorce](https://cms.rushtonfamilylaw.com/guide/religious-divorce/) [Responding to a divorce application](https://cms.rushtonfamilylaw.com/guide/responding-to-a-divorce-application/-579f) [Separation Agreements](https://cms.rushtonfamilylaw.com/guide/separation-agreements/) [Judicial Separation](https://cms.rushtonfamilylaw.com/guide/separation-agreements-clone-a71d) ### Our Team Our team of specialist family solicitors offer expert advice in proportion to what’s at stake for you. We advise on all areas of family law and bring the same care and high standard to every family we work with. ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/3099/398-535-def/nicola-398x535.jpg) [Nicola Jones](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/team/nicola-jones) [Partner - Divorce & Family](https://) ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/3100/398-535-def/amie-398x535.jpg) Amie Pine Partner - Divorce & Family ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/3139/398-535-def/emma-398x535.jpg) Emma Shortland Associate ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/3116/398-535-def/ella-398x535.jpg) Ella Perry Assistant Solicitor ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/3107/398-535-def/samantha-398x535.jpg) Samantha Patel Legal Support Assistant ### Reviews and testimonials ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) Firstly, Amie Pine. This particular solicitor is an absolute master of her craft. She's knowledgeable, caring, understandable, professional and always one step ahead ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) The second person I would like to mention in my review is Emma Shortland. Her knowledge of the law is incredible. Please don't let her age put you off, as upon those very young shoulders is a very wise head. ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) Amie was brilliant helping me through and managing my divorce financials both professionally and personally, cannot recommend enough, thanks again Amie! ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) I recently went through a difficult divorce, and I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional service provided by my solicitor, Amie Pine. ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) From the very beginning, Amie provided clear, concise guidance and her expertise, professionalism, and compassion made a significant difference during this challenging time. ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) Amie was always available to answer my questions, no matter how trivial they seemed, and provided reassurance during the most stressful moments. ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) Amie was not only a legal advisor but also a pillar of support, helping me navigate the emotional and financial aspects. ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) Thank you, Amie, for making a difficult time more manageable and for helping me move forward with my life. ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) Amie Pine has helped me get through a financially and emotionally challenging divorce with great empathy, expert advice and the utmost professionalism. ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) She is always responsive and worked quickly to ensure the matter progressed despite the other party's delays and unreasonable demands. Thank you Amie - it's been a real pleasure having you represent me. ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) Nicola and the team are the best support you could ask for at the most difficult of times. ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) As well as being knowledgeable, forward thinking, organised and hard-working, [Nicola] has empathy and goes above and beyond for her clients. ![](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/asset/2562/193-32-def/stars.png) I feel safer and not alone, knowing that I have Nicola's support - securing her to act for me was a huge weight lifted. No matter what the result, I am confident that she will have secured the best outcome possible. ### outstanding legal representation when it really matters ### FAQs #### What is the difference between separation and divorce? Separation means living apart while still being legally married. Divorce ends the marriage, and until it’s finalised, neither of you can remarry and your financial ties remain. #### What is a trial separation, and does it have any legal effect? A trial separation is an informal period apart to decide whether the relationship can continue. It has no legal effect on its own, but a written agreement can set out how money and arrangements will work in the meantime. #### What are my rights if we are separated but not divorced? You’re still legally married, so your financial claims against each other remain open, and you may still inherit under each other’s wills. You can apply for maintenance and, in most cases, stay in the family home. ### How we work An experienced family solicitor will run your matter from the first meeting onwards, and you will deal with them directly rather than being passed between members of a team. Part of their job is to help you decide where your time and money are best spent. In most divorces there are points worth pressing and points that make little difference to the end result, and we will be straightforward with you about which is which. A lot of matters are resolved through negotiation or mediation, and where that is realistic we will recommend it. Where it is not, because the other side will not engage, or disclosure is incomplete, or the issues are genuinely contested, we will advise you on taking the matter to court and act for you there. **Rushton Family Law is the sister brand of Vardags. If your case involves complex finances or international issues, we will introduce you to the Vardags team.** [Book a consultation](#callback) ### Request a confidential call Please share a few details about your circumstances and one of our specialist family lawyers will contact you at a convenient time. If a telephone call is not suitable, please let us know your preferred method of contact. [Get in touch](https://rushtonfamilylaw.com/contact)