How long does a civil partnership dissolution take?

The alternative to a conventional marriage in the UK is a civil partnership. By entering into one, people gain legal and tax equality with married couples. The difference is that it involves signing a document instead of taking vows.

Some people think civil partnerships are more informal, but this is not really true from a legal perspective. If you wish to dissolve a civil partnership in England or Wales, there is a mandatory procedure.

The typical timescale is six months at a minimum, including statutory waiting periods. The first of those is known as the 20-week reflection period. After an application to dissolve the civil partnership has been issued, you are obliged to wait this length of time before applying for a Conditional Order.

Then there is a mandatory six-week wait period following the granting of this. It is only after you have observed it that you can make an application for the Final Order. When this is granted, your civil partnership will be legally dissolved.

In a straightforward case where both parties cooperate, the whole procedure generally takes from six to nine months.

There are a number of factors that determine how long it takes.

• The Reflection Period

You have to wait for 20 weeks, starting from the point when the court issues the dissolution application. Only then can you move forward to the Conditional Order stage.

• The Finalisation Period

Following the granting of a Conditional Order, you will have to wait for 6 weeks and 1 day before you apply for a Final Order.

• Financial Conflicts

The process can take longer if there are disputes about assets, properties, pensions or child custody arrangements. Any of those disagreements can drag dissolution out by months. Most family lawyers would advise you to come to an agreement before applying for a Final Order.

At Bennett Smith Solicitors, we handle civil partnership dissolution in North Wales. Call now to find out more about how we can help you.