Civil Partnership Dissolution & Gay Marriage Divorce

Same-sex couples that have entered into a Civil Partnership must go through a defined legal procedure if they want to terminate their Civil Partnership. Even though this is called "dissolution" it is very much the same as a divorce process for heterosexual couples.

For same-sex couples who are married under the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013, divorce is the same as for heterosexual couples.

You can find a lot more information on Civil Partnership Dissolution on the Government's website at: https://www.gov.uk/end-civil-partnership.

Civil Partnerships cannot be dissolved in the first year and then there are three main phases to go through:

• file a Civil Partnership dissolution petition
• apply for a conditional order
• apply for a final order.

You are allowed to dissolve your Civil Partnership without solicitors, but Isis Financial Planners would strongly suggest using a solicitor experienced in this process. Please contact us if you need the name of a solicitor who can help – we work with several across the country.

Financial considerations of a civil partnership dissolution

There are numerous financial considerations to be taken into account when dissolving a Civil Partnership. Assets to be divided can include all forms of property, savings and investments, and importantly, pensions. Getting the right financial advice can be very important to ensure that one party is not being hugely disadvantaged by the process.

Isis Financial Planners have a great experience at dealing with such separations and are happy to advise you.