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Civil Partnership Dissolution Solicitors in Staffordshire & the West Midlands

 

Practical, clear support for civil partners ending their relationship, whatever the circumstances.

Expert support at every stage of your dissolution

Dissolving a civil partnership follows the same legal process as divorce in England and Wales. Since the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 came into force in April 2022, civil partners can end their relationship under the same no-fault framework, without needing to assign blame or prove fault.

Whether your situation is straightforward or involves complex finances, property, pensions, or arrangements for children, our family law team at Ansons is here to give you the practical, honest advice you need to move forward.

We act for civil partners at all stages of dissolution across Lichfield, Cannock, Dudley, and Sutton Coldfield, and across the wider Staffordshire and West Midlands area.

What we can help with

Filing and managing your dissolution application

No-fault dissolution, sole and joint applications

Negotiating and formalising financial settlements

Consent Orders and Clean Break Orders

Division of property and pension assets

Civil partner maintenance

Arrangements for children

Advice on separation before formal dissolution

Keeping your will and LPA up to date after dissolution

Enquire about civil partnership dissolution

Tell us what you need and we'll put you in touch with the right person.

 

The dissolution process, step by step

Sort finances before the Final Order

Dissolution ends your civil partnership but it does not automatically resolve financial claims. Unless financial matters are formally settled in a sealed Consent Order, your former partner retains the right to make financial claims against you even after the dissolution is finalised. Sort financial matters before the Final Order is granted.

1

Application

You or your partner files the dissolution application, either jointly or as a sole applicant, stating that the civil partnership has irretrievably broken down. The current court fee is £612. 
2

Acknowledgement

In a sole application, your partner has 14 days to acknowledge receipt. They cannot contest the dissolution itself. 
3

Waiting period

A mandatory reflection period. Use this time to agree financial and child arrangements. 

4

Conditional Order

The court confirms there is no reason the dissolution should not proceed. 
5

6-week wait

You must wait at least 6 weeks and 1 day before applying for the Final Order. 
6

Final Order

This legally dissolves the civil partnership. Do not apply before your financial matters are resolved. 

How civil partnership dissolution works

The dissolution process mirrors divorce closely. The court fee to file is currently £612 and the process takes a minimum of 7 to 8 months from application to Final Order.

Key things you should know

  • Since April 2022, there is no requirement to give reasons or assign blame for the breakdown of the partnership.
  • You can apply jointly with your partner or alone as a sole applicant.
  • The dissolution cannot be contested. Your partner can only challenge jurisdiction or the legal validity of the partnership.
  • Financial claims are separate from the dissolution itself and must be resolved in a sealed Consent Order.
  • Children's arrangements are also dealt with separately and can be agreed directly or through mediation.

Why choose Ansons for civil partnership dissolution

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Same expertise as divorce

Our solicitors advise on civil partnership dissolution with the same depth of knowledge and care as divorce proceedings. 

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Financial clarity from the start

We help you understand what you are entitled to and what a fair settlement looks like before you agree to anything. 

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Protecting children's arrangements

Where children are involved, we make sure their best interests remain central to every decision. 

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Minimising conflict where possible

 Where both parties want an amicable outcome, we work to keep things constructive and out of court. 

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Transparent costs

We are clear about fees from the outset and will give you a clear estimate before we start work. 

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Four local offices

Offices in Lichfield, Cannock, Dudley, and Sutton Coldfield. In-person and video consultations available. 

Ready to talk to a dissolution solicitor?

We offer a free initial meeting so you can understand your position before committing to anything.

Frequently asked questions

If you are unsure where to start, the FAQs below cover the questions we hear most often. Our Family Law team is on hand if you want to talk through anything specific.

 

Simply give us a call on 0121 716 3716

Is the process of dissolving a civil partnership the same as divorce?

Yes, largely. Since April 2022, civil partnership dissolution follows the same no-fault framework as divorce. The same stages apply: application, 20-week reflection period, Conditional Order, and Final Order. The legal terminology differs slightly but the process and timelines are effectively identical. 

Do I need a solicitor to dissolve a civil partnership?

Yes, largely. Since April 2022, civil partnership dissolution follows the same no-fault framework as divorce. The same stages apply: application, 20-week reflection period, Conditional Order, and Final Order. The legal terminology differs slightly but the process and timelines are effectively identical. 

How are finances divided when a civil partnership is dissolved?

The same legal principles apply as in divorce. The court considers factors including the length of the partnership, each person's financial needs and resources, contributions made, and future earning capacity. We help you understand what a fair outcome looks like and ensure any agreement is recorded in a sealed Consent Order.

Your Family Law Experts

Our Family Law team is here for people, not just cases. Approachable, compassionate, and focused on securing the best possible outcomes for you and your loved ones. Combining specialist expertise with clear, practical advice, they guide you through life’s most challenging moments with sensitivity, integrity, and unwavering professionalism.

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Serving clients across Staffordshire and the West Midlands

 

Ansons has offices in Lichfield, Cannock, Dudley, and Sutton Coldfield. All four offices cover family law matters, and our team regularly supports clients across the wider region, including Tamworth, Burntwood, Rugeley, Walsall, Birmingham, and surrounding areas.

Civil partnership dissolution solicitors in Lichfield

Our Lichfield family law team handles civil partnership dissolution matters for clients across the city and surrounding areas including Burntwood, Rugeley, and Tamworth. We offer in-person appointments at St Mary's Chambers and video consultations.

St Mary's Chambers,
5-7 Breadmarket Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6LQ

T: 01543 263 456
E: info@ansons.law

Civil partnership dissolution solicitors in Cannock

Clients in Cannock, Hednesford, and the surrounding area can see our family law team at our accessible town centre office. We handle all aspects of civil partnership dissolution, from initial advice through to financial settlement and the Final Order.

Commerce House, Ridings Park, Eastern Way, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 7FJ

T: 01543 466 660
E: info@ansons.law

Civil partnership dissolution solicitors in Sutton Coldfield

Our Sutton Coldfield office serves clients across the Royal Town and into the north Birmingham suburbs. Whether your dissolution is straightforward or involves complex financial or property matters, our family team will give you clear, practical advice.

316-318 Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B74 2UG

T: 0121 716 3716
E: info@ansons.law

Civil partnership dissolution solicitors in Dudley

Our Dudley office covers clients across the Black Country and West Midlands. We act for civil partners at all stages of dissolution, from early advice and financial planning to finalising the agreement and obtaining the Final Order.

Unit 10, Castle Court 2, Castlegate Way, Dudley, DY1 4RH

T: 0121 550 0010
E: info@ansons.law