Civil partnerships protect you and your partner financially without the traditional aspects of marriage. If you need legal advice on registering a civil partnership, or dissolving a partnership following a relationship breakdown, our family lawyers are here to help you take the next step.
We're here to help with civil partnership legal advice
While same-sex couples can now legally marry in England and Wales, they also have the option of entering a civil partnership, which offers legal and financial protections similar to those of marriage.
What is a civil partnership?
A civil partnership is a legally recognised union between two people that offers similar rights and responsibilities to marriage. It provides formal legal status with some of marriage's traditional aspects.
Civil partnerships were introduced into UK law in December 2005 through the Civil Partnership Act 2004. At the time of its introduction, the Act only applied to same-sex couples, though it was later extended to include opposite-sex couples in December 2019.
To register a civil partnership, you need to sign a civil partnership document in front of a registrar and two witnesses.
What is the difference between marriage and a civil partnership?
Both civil partnership and marriage legally recognise your relationship and carry similar rights around property, inheritance, pensions and children. However, there are key differences in terminology and how they're formed:
You form a civil partnership by signing a document, while marriage involves exchanging vows in a religious or civil ceremony.
You refer to each other as 'civil partners', rather than 'husband' or 'wife'.
The end of a civil partnership is called 'dissolution', whereas marriages are ended by 'divorce', finalised by the 'decree absolute'.
If you want to recognise your relationship and feel a civil partnership would suit you both, our family lawyers can help you take the next step together. Call us today on [[callback number]] or contact us online.
What are the advantages of a civil partnership?
Even though same-sex couples can now marry, not everyone likes the religious or traditional aspects of the marriage institution. Civil partnerships offer many of the same rights and responsibilities, but outside the institution of marriage. If you're buying a property together or having children, for example, you should consider civil partnership as a way of protecting yourself.
A civil partnership can help to protect you both legally and financially. It can help you to ensure that any children you have together will be looked after in the event of separation or the dissolution of your civil partnership.
To find out more about the rights and responsibilities of civil partnerships, simply call 0330 041 5869 or contact us online today. Our lawyers can help with civil partnership agreements and provide expert legal advice and will call you to discuss your next steps without obligation.
Can I get a prenuptial agreement before a civil partnership?
In essence, yes you can, though it is known as a 'pre-civil partnership agreement' when it is drafted before a civil partnership rather than a marriage.
A pre-civil partnership agreement works in exactly the same way as a prenuptial agreement does by setting out how any assets and income in the relationship should be divided in the event of separation or dissolution.
It is also worth noting that you can also make an agreement with your partner after entering a civil partnership, known as a post-civil partnership agreement, or revise the terms of your existing document.
Like prenuptial agreements, pre-civil partnership agreements aren't legally binding, but they can be highly persuasive and are generally upheld by the courts. Our pre-civil partnership agreement lawyers can advise if you feel such an agreement would provide peace of mind.
The best solicitors to fight your corner! I struggled with a nasty unmarried couple dispute alone for over a year before biting the bullet and paying for proper legal support. I had one previous experience with a cheaper less well-known solicitor and I just felt completely let down and not a priority. But with Slater and Gordon, from start to finish, I felt supported 100% and valued.
B L (family and personal matters case)
Matters were dealt with efficiently with a view to keeping costs to a realistic level and I am well satisfied with the final settlement she managed to achieve on my behalf.
J B (family and personal matters case)
For anyone needing help with family issues I could not recommend Slater and Gordon highly enough. I always had the feeling I had the best looking after my interests and they certainly didn't disappoint.
C I (family and personal matters case)
What are the grounds for civil partnership dissolution?
Under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, you don't need to assign blame or prove specific reasons anymore. It's enough for one or both of you to formally state that your relationship has 'broken down irretrievably' for the court to grant a dissolution order after specified waiting periods.
You must, however, have been in the civil partnership for at least one year for it to be classed as dissolution.
This shift away from naming reasons such as adultery, unreasonable behaviour and long-term separation was introduced to reduce conflict when legally recognised relationships end.
If your relationship has ended, our civil partnership dissolution services are designed to guide you through separation as smoothly as possible.
What is the process for civil partnership dissolution?
Since legal changes in 2022, the process is almost identical in steps and timeline to marriage. Our civil partnership dissolution lawyers will walk you through exactly what to expect and support you through each stage. Here's a simplified overview:
Eligibility and initial steps: If you've been in the civil partnership for at least one year, you can file either a joint or sole application for dissolution with the court. You don't need to provide any specific reasons or apportion blame.
Reflection period: You'll enter a 20-week waiting period for reflection or 'cooling off', designed to allow couples time to consider arrangements or even reconcile.
Conditional order and waiting period: Next, you can apply for a conditional order, which is the court's preliminary approval of the dissolution. This isn't a final confirmation, but rather recognition there are no clear obstructions. Once granted, you enter a final six-week waiting period.
Final order: With the waiting period complete, you can apply for the final order that officially ends the civil partnership. The court usually grants this quickly. If your dissolution is uncontested, there's no need for a court hearing at this stage, or the conditional order stage.
Managing children and finances: Dissolution doesn't automatically resolve child arrangements or finances. You can manage these formally through a child arrangements order and a financial order. You're free to do so during either waiting period, so that everything's tied up when the final dissolution order is confirmed.
How can we help you with your civil partnership?
Our expert civil partnership solicitors can support you in a wide range of ways, specialising in providing industry-leading advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Some of the services our lawyers offer include:
Drawing up a pre-civil partnership agreement (similar to a prenuptial agreement)
Handling a civil partnership dissolution
Negotiating childcare arrangements, including maintenance payments and visitation
Agreeing financial settlements following a partnership breakdown
Civil partnership dissolution services
As of April 2022, it's no longer a legal requirement to give a reason for the breakdown of your civil partnership, or to assign blame to the other party. All that's now required is a statement confirming that the partnership has irretrievably broken down. However, you do need to have been in a civil partnership for at least 12 months before you can apply to dissolve it.
The process of dissolving a civil partnership is the same as a divorce, with the only difference being the terminology. Our civil partnership dissolution lawyers will listen to your needs and guide you through the process to achieve your best outcome, no matter how complex.
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s civil partnership solicitors?
Whether you're looking to enter a civil partnership or for help dissolving one, our industry-leading civil partnership solicitors offer the tailored advice and legal support you need.
We are ranked in the independent legal directory Chambers and Partners and in the Legal 500, showcasing our dedication to providing outstanding family law services
Many members of our family law team have also been individually recognised in the Legal 500
We are Lexcel accredited, which was introduced by The Law Society as a quality mark for client cases, practice management and legal compliance
We pride ourselves on finding amicable solutions where possible, while ensuring your rights and interests are protected throughout the legal process to achieve the best outcome for you and your family
We’re proud members of Resolution, an organisation of family justice professionals committed to promoting a constructive approach to family issues that considers the needs of the whole family
We have dedicated family offices nationally, including Manchester, Wirral, Liverpool and London, bringing national expertise to your doorstep.
We're an award-winning law firm and have a dedicated team of civil partnership solicitors to provide legal advice and guidance – no matter how complex your situation might be.
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Frequently asked questions about civil partnerships
When did civil partnerships become legal in the UK?
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into force in December 2005 and gave same sex couples the opportunity to enter a civil partnership. The legislation was later updated in 2019 to include opposite sex couples.
Who can get a civil partnership?
Both same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples can now enter a civil partnership. This may be the preferred route for some couples, rather than marriage, as it carries less religious or gendered connotations. Under UK law, two people can form a civil partnership if they are:
Over 18 (or over 16 with their parents’ permission)
Not already married or in a civil partnership
Not closely related
How long does a civil partnership dissolution take?
This can depend upon how amicable the process is; if both you and your partner agree on how the partnership should be dissolved (such as splitting financial assets or any childcare arrangements), then the process can take as little as four to six months. However, where negotiations are lengthier, it can take much longer.
Yes, it's a legally binding relationship bringing enforceable rights and responsibilities in several aspects of life. While often seen as an alternative to marriage, it's not just symbolic, and carries full legal status.
Can a straight couple have a civil partnership?
Yes. Civil partnership was originally introduced in 2005 to allow same-sex couples to register their relationship, before being extended to include opposite-sex couples in 2019 following a landmark legal case.
The change recognises couples who wish to gain legal recognition and rights while rejecting patriarchal elements of marriage or wedding ceremonies.
Can you change your name with a civil partnership?
You can choose to change your surname when you enter civil partnership, just as many people do when getting married, but it's not automatic or an obligation. You may wish to take your partner's surname as your own or as a middle name, or to combine the two in a double-barrelled surname. It's entirely up to you.
Can you get married after civil partnership?
It depends on your relationship and where you live.
Same-sex couples who are civil partners can convert their civil partnership into a marriage without having to dissolve the partnership first. It's a streamlined process offered by the Registry Office that can be backdated to when you formed the civil partnership. Some couples chose to do this after the introduction of same-sex marriage in the UK in 2013.
In England and Wales, opposite-sex civil partners don't currently have a route to formally convert partnerships into marriage. If this situation applies to you, you'd need to legally end your civil partnership first to get married.
What happens to adopted children when civil partnerships break down?
If you and your partner legally adopt while in a civil partnership, you gain parental responsibility for the child or children. These rights don't automatically end when a partnership breaks down. You'll still have legal duties to look after them and will need to agree on living and contact arrangements that meet their needs.
You can do this formally through a child arrangements order, which our family law experts can support you with to achieve the best outcome for all parties.
Who pays child maintenance when a civil partnership breaks down?
The obligation to support a child financially falls on both parents. Typically, the parent who doesn't live with the child ‒ or who has the child less of the time ‒ will pay maintenance to the parent who has primary care. This works the same way as it does for any separated parents, independent of any spousal maintenance or financial settlement.
Legally, you don't legally need a lawyer to dissolve a civil partnership and can apply online and manage the process yourself. However, many people feel reassured by getting legal advice, especially if there are any complexities.
A civil partnership lawyer can advise you on your rights and ensure you get the best outcome, for example making sure any financial or child arrangements are fair and appropriate. They can also make sure paperwork is completed correctly, avoiding delays or issues cropping up in the future. If there's any dispute, a lawyer will negotiate on your behalf and represent your best interests, including in any court hearings, lifting the burden from you.
If expert legal advice would give you clarity and peace of mind, call us on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online. Our experienced team are here to support your needs practically and empathetically.
How much does a civil partnership dissolution cost?
The court fee for a dissolution application is £612, as of late 2025 ‒ the same as for divorce. If you have a low income or savings or receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for financial help with court fees.
If you choose to use civil partnership dissolution solicitors, legal fees can vary based on the complexity of your case. Our experts offer competitive fixed-fee packages and hourly rates ‒ and their support can prove invaluable in achieving the best possible outcome.
Do I have to go to court for a civil partnership dissolution?
In uncontested dissolutions, you won't need to appear in court yourself. The process is largely administrative and handled via paperwork. You may have a court hearing if there's a serious dispute and you can't reach an agreement together, or if you ask the court to settle finances or child arrangements.
Rest assured, if your case does go to court, our civil partnership solicitors will represent your interests on your behalf. We'll do everything we can to achieve the right outcome and limit stress during the process.
To learn more or to discuss your circumstances in more detail, speak to our civil partnership solicitors today on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
The best solicitors to fight your corner! I struggled with a nasty unmarried couple dispute alone for over a year before biting the bullet and paying for proper legal support. I had one previous experience with a cheaper less well-known solicitor and I just felt completely let down and not a priority. But with Slater and Gordon, from start to finish, I felt supported 100% and valued. B L (family and personal matters case)
Matters were dealt with efficiently with a view to keeping costs to a realistic level and I am well satisfied with the final settlement she managed to achieve on my behalf. J B (family and personal matters case)
For anyone needing help with family issues I could not recommend Slater and Gordon highly enough. I always had the feeling I had the best looking after my interests and they certainly didn't disappoint. C I (family and personal matters case)