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How can we help?
Our specialist family law solicitors are able to help and support those who wish to end their civil partnership. Our solicitors are accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Resolution and specialise in providing advice and representation for dissolution proceedings as well has having many years of experience in working with couples who are separating, for a consultation about ending a civil partnership call us on 01616 966 229.
We provide representation in dissolution proceedings occurring all over the country. We have the experience and ability to provide that representation regardless of where a person lives, at home or abroad, if the proceedings are to take place within England or Wales.
For convenience, we offer a choice of ways to provide instructions – by meeting face to face, over the telephone or via email. Our modern approach legal services takes full advantage of technology to provide an efficient service whilst always being available for advice and support without the need for office based appointments. Our solicitors are only ever click or telephone call away.
The dissolution of a civil partnership can be funded by legal aid for those who are eligible. Our family solicitors have many years of experience in advising people who are separating under the scheme and continue to be committed to helping those who are eligible.
What if legal aid is not available?
Stephensons are delighted to be able to offer low cost fixed fees for dissolution of a civil partnership. We recognise that separating can be a stressful time, not least the question of “how much will this cost?” We offer two fixed fee packages for the full dissolution process.
We offer a fixed fee is for those who want to start the proceedings “the petitioner fixed fee” and a fixed fee for those who have received the dissolution papers “the respondent fixed fee”.
The fixed amount quoted is what it will cost for each process and is available for those who qualify and have an undefended dissolution of their civil partnership.
What is included in the fixed fees and what is the cost?
Our solicitors will advise if one of our packages is appropriate.
The petitioner fixed fee includes all work from the preparation of the petition for dissolution and commencement of the proceedings up to and including the granting of the Dissolution Order. The fixed fee includes solicitor costs, VAT and the court fees. Our petitioner fixed fee is £1,120 in total.
The respondent fixed fee includes all work necessary to complete the Acknowledgement up to and including receiving the Dissolution Order. The fixed fee includes solicitor costs and VAT. Our respondent fixed fee is £360 in total.
There are no hidden costs in our dissolution packages. The fixed fee is what is paid.
What is included in the petitioner fixed fee of £1,210?
What is included in the respondent fixed fee of £360?
What is not included in the fee?
Expenses charged by other professionals, for example the cost of obtaining a replacement civil partnership licence.
Unforeseen circumstances and complexities, for example if the dissolution becomes defended, or papers require amending, or a partner fails to progress or cooperate with the dissolution process or there are issues about dissolution costs.
Any advice or correspondence relating to financial issues or concerning children.
In situations where there is need for additional work which is not included within the fixed fee our clients are immediately advised and no further expense is incurred until a new fee arrangement has been agreed. Variations from the agreed fixed fee will occur if the work needed has changed. If this occurs our solicitors consider the change and impact upon the dissolution process, and if developments fall outside the agreed plan of action then our clients are immediately notified in writing and retain the choice of accepting a new arrangement.
How to pay?
We are able to accept payment by card over the phone or via our website.
We ask for payment of the fixed fee in full at the start of the case.
We can accept payment of the petitioner fixed fee by two instalments.
Civil partnerships are a legally recognised union between two people of the same sex. Couples who enter into a civil partnership have the rights to the same legal treatment across a range of issues as a married couple would expect. A civil partnership can be brought to an end by dissolution but is not dissolved until a Dissolution Order is granted by the court. The pronouncement of a Dissolution Order cancels all legal duties and responsibilities of the civil partnership and essentially ends the legal contract between the couple.
The dissolution process does not include making final arrangements for children or financial settlement. Although often very relevant to a separating couple, these arrangements are in addition to the dissolution itself and can be dealt with either by agreement or by applications to court if agreements cannot be reached.
There is only one ground for dissolution of the partnership and that is that it has irretrievably broken down. However, the person applying for the dissolution must choose one of four facts to prove that the relationship has broken down.
A partner has behaved in such a way that a person cannot be reasonably expected to live with them any longer. This can include having a relationship with another person. This is known as unreasonable behaviour.
A person has been deserted by their partner for a period of 2 years. This is known as desertion.
A couple have lived apart for at least 2 years immediately preceding the commencement of the dissolution process and there is consent to the Dissolution Order being granted. This is known as 2 years separation with consent.
A couple have lived apart for at least 5 years immediately preceding the commencement of the dissolution process and for this no consent is required. This is known as 5 years separation.
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