What Are Your Options Before Dissolving a Civil Partnership?

If you are experiencing difficulties in your civil partnership, dissolution may not be the only option available to you.

The appropriate next step will depend on whether you believe the relationship has ended, whether you need time to consider your future and whether financial uncertainty is contributing to the difficulties you are facing.

Relationship support and counselling

Some couples choose to seek relationship counselling before making a final decision.

Counselling does not provide legal advice, but it may help you and your civil partner discuss the difficulties within your relationship and consider whether they can be resolved. Individual counselling may also provide support while you decide whether separation or dissolution is right for you.

Informal separation

You may decide to live separately without immediately taking formal legal action.

An informal separation can provide time and space to consider the future of your relationship. However, it does not alter your legal status or automatically resolve questions concerning property, savings, pensions, income or ongoing financial responsibilities.

Separation agreements

A separation agreement can record the financial and practical arrangements you intend to follow while living apart.

This may include how household expenses will be paid, who will remain in the family home and how property, savings, debts and other financial matters will be managed.

Although a separation agreement does not end the civil partnership, it can provide greater clarity during a period of separation.

Post-civil partnership agreements

Where financial concerns are affecting the relationship, a post-civil partnership agreement may help clarify how finances will be managed and what should happen if the relationship ends in the future.

This type of agreement is generally made whilst the couple remains together and intends to continue the civil partnership.

Legal separation

A separation order allows civil partners to separate formally without legally ending the civil partnership. Although relatively uncommon, this may be appropriate where dissolution is not suitable for personal, cultural or religious reasons.

Understanding the purpose and implications of each option can help you make a more informed decision about the way forward.

The next part of this series explains how the civil partnership dissolution process works.

Are you considering separation or the future of your civil partnership? Elizabeth Stocker is a consultant solicitor specialising in family law and financial agreements. She can help you understand your options and consider how your financial arrangements should be managed. Get in touch for a confidential discussion.