Procedure for ending a civil partnership
For most gay people the procedure to terminate their civil partnership is straightforward.
The entire process can be administrative without anyone having to attend court. This is on the basis that it is undefended, so that the other party consents to the dissolution taking place.
The procedure is as follows:
- Petition – this document is lodged with the Court to start the process. The document sets out the fact which is being relied upon for the dissolution
- Acknowledgement of Service – the other partner will receive the Petition (and other documents if relevant) and complete a short form called the ‘Acknowledgement of Service’ in which they confirm they have received the Petition
- first Decree – once the Acknowledgement of Service has been completed and returned to the Court, the partner who started the process can apply for the first Decree. A Judge considers the application and (assuming all necessary requirements are satisfied) the first Decree is pronounced
- final Decree – six weeks and one day after the first Decree was pronounced the final Decree can be applied for
Civil partnership dissolution
To arrange a discussion with a family law solicitor about civil partnership dissolution click here or call us on 0800 840 4929. We are available to take your call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
