Civil Partnership Dissolution
Solicitors for ending a civil partnership
It’s vital that couples considering ending a civil partnership have the help of experienced legal professionals. We understand the clear distinctions of these legal agreements and how they can affect a relationship. We aim to take the stress out of the legal side of the breakup.
We offer thorough, knowledgeable and sympathetic legal advice and can help you and your partner bring your relationship to a legal end.
Who is eligible to dissolve a civil partnership?
You can end or dissolve your civil partnership if you’ve been in the partnership for over a year and you can confirm that the partnership has irretrievably broken down. You will have to apply to a court to end it, which you can either do online or by post and this can be done as a joint application with your partner or on your own.
If you do not want to end the civil partnership completely you can get a legal separation which can be applied for during the first year of your civil partnership.
How much does it cost to get a civil partnership dissolution?
There is a court fee of £612 to pay. In some cases you may be able to get help with the cost depending on your circumstances.
If you’re making a joint application with your partner then you would both need to qualify for help with fees – otherwise one of you will need to pay the full fee.
There might be other costs to consider such as solicitors’ fees if you decide to instruct a law firm.
What legal rights do civil partners have?
Civil partners have the same legal rights as married couples in terms of property and assets, and inheritance tax. Civil partners can also apply for parental responsibility of their partner’s children.
How do I work out child arrangements when dissolving a civil partnership?
Those in a civil partnership are allowed to adopt and civil partners can also take on parental responsibilities as a step-parent under the Children Act 1989.
An application for the dissolution of a civil partnership does not include child arrangements, so if you and your partner cannot agree on childcare arrangements then you will need to apply for a Child Arrangements Order so the Court can decide who they will live with and spend time with that will be in their best interests.
Find out more about this on our Children and relationship breakdown page – the process is usually the same as if you you were married then divorced.
How long does it take to get a civil partnership dissolution?
It usually takes at least six months to dissolve an uncontested civil partnership, but it can take longer if your partner contests ending the relationship.
In some cases it is recommended to get a Financial Settlement Order approved before ending the civil partnership. These orders help to protect your finances by ensuring that your former partner can’t make a claim for a share of your assets in the future.
Why use Rothera Bray for civil partnership dissolution?
While civil partnerships differ to marriages, many of the same issues should be taken into account when they begin or come to an end. Our family lawyers can help you tackle the issues that can arise from a civil partnership dissolution:
- Financial issues
- Splitting property
- Pension issues
- Issues relating to children
Advice about civil partnerships
“The end of a relationship is always difficult – but we’ll ensure that the legal side of things are handled smoothly”
David Berridge
Partner
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Posted 24 March 2026
I used the services of Emma Adcock and her team at Rothera Bray Solicitors and they were great - very pleasant, efficient and delivered to time and agreed cost. I would have no doubt in recommending them to others.
Jo
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Posted 12 March 2026
I wanted to thank you for your time, guidance, and the work you have carried out on my matter so far. I genuinely appreciate your support and professionalism throughout.
Anonymous Family client
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Posted 9 March 2026
David was great, always positive but realistic on what to expect. Would highly recommend anyone needing help or advice on divorce.
J.P.
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Posted 10 February 2026
Emma Adcock was absolutely superb during my divorce and subsequently during a prolonged and difficult house sale in which she endeavoured to get the right and just outcome for me. I would never use any other solicitor or solicitors firm for any legal challenges that may come along in the future. I cannot say enough great things about Emma or the firm Rothera Bray. Thank you so much.
Michael F
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Posted 29 January 2026
I've been a client of Rothera Bray for the last few years while negotiating a somewhat lengthy divorce process. It should have been fairly straightforward but there were issues with the other side... However my solicitor (Sarah) was extremely patient, supportive and professional throughout and we finally got the required outcome. I was extremely grateful for all Rothera Bray did in supporting me through the process and I would definitely recommend them to others.
Nina T
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Posted 20 January 2026
I can’t thank you enough for the support, patience and counsel you have offered over the last few difficult months! Not least of which the peace of mind you have provided throughout the period working with you all. Thank you so much!
Mr B, Nottingham
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Posted 19 January 2026
Grateful for the professional service from Rothera Bray in particular Jo Millward and Cindy Dodd during a difficult separation.
Max E
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Posted 16 January 2026
I changed my solicitors to Rothera Bray and was allocated Sarah Gill to act for me. Sarah was superb! She motivated me to fight on, advised me on the law, guided me through the legal process and gave me confidence in court. It was a very difficult fight but together we achieved a most satisfactory conclusion. While Sarah was very professional, I felt she was my friend. She kept me focused and determined to see my fight through to the end. Thank you, Sarah. You are great.
Heidi
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Posted 6 January 2026
Emma was very calm and professional, her advice was spot on especially when dealing with sensitive matters such as the children.
S.S
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Posted 17 December 2025
Simply the best! Gurpreet was kind considerate took time to listen and I couldn’t have had a better outcome nothing was to much for him always there to help. Extremely knowledgeable would high recommend this company very professional.
Maria
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Posted 11 December 2025
Thank you for all of your help, guidance and support over the past 15 months. It has been greatly appreciated.
JN
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Posted 9 December 2025
This has been one of the most horrible years of my life, and going through a divorce is not something I would wish on anyone. But if you do have to go through it, it makes a huge difference knowing that you have a supportive lawyer to work with and that was definitely my experience of working with Sarah Gill. What really stood out for me was how well Sarah listened and heard me...She was also excellent at explaining the key background areas of law I needed to understand as I went into mediation. More than anything, Sarah’s way of working felt like a genuine partnership. I know this might sound cheesy, but it truly felt like she had my back. That support meant I could make informed decisions about my future during an incredibly difficult time. I honestly cannot thank you enough, Sarah, for all your help. I would highly recommend reaching out to her if you are looking for a solicitor who is supportive, compassionate, and highly responsive.
Anonymous
Ann-Marie Bowman
Partner, Chairwoman & Head of Care
Ann-Marie Bowman is Partner and Chairwoman of East Midlands-based law firm Rothera Bray Solicitors. Working from our Nottingham and Derby offices, Ann-Marie remains highly committed to her fee-earning work in Family law, dealing with all aspects of children law.
David Berridge
Partner
David has over 30 years’ experience practicing Family Law. He is one of the most experienced family solicitors in Leicestershire and deals with a wide variety of matters.
Rebecca Emeleus
Partner & Head of Family
Rebecca is a Partner and Head of the family law team and is based at our Kayes walk, Nottingham office.
Sarah Gill
Partner
Sarah is an experienced matrimonial and family law solicitor, dealing with children matters including child care, financial issues following separation of married couples and divorce. She undertakes court work in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Warwickshire. She is based at our Market Harborough office.
Joanne Millward
Partner
Joanne Millward has over 30 years’ experience dealing in all areas of Family Law in our Nottingham Lace Market, Derby, Beeston and Mapperley offices.
Julie McCrery
Managing Associate
Julie McCrery is a Managing Associate in Rothera Bray’s Family Law team and is based at our Derby office but also covers Nottingham and the surrounding areas.
Emma Adcock
Senior Associate Solicitor
Emma Adcock is a Solicitor with over 20 years’ experience across a wide range of family law matters arising from relationship breakdown. Working from our West Bridgford office in Nottingham, she has significant experience in divorce and the accompanying financial settlements.
Charley Kelly
Associate Solicitor
Charley is an experienced Family Associate Solicitor who specialises in all areas of Family law. She acts for clients on a wide range of family issues including divorce, financial remedy and children matters. She is based at our Leicester office.
Emily Sherwood
Associate Solicitor
Emily Sherwood is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Lace Market Nottingham and Derby offices.
Gurpreet Singh
Associate
Gurpreet Singh is an Associate in Rothera Bray’s Child Care department and is based at our Derby office.
Sophie Spreckley
Associate Solicitor
Sophie Spreckley is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family Law team and is based at our Derby office but also covers Nottingham and the surrounding areas.
Jack English
Solicitor
Jack English is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family Law team and is based at our Beeston office but also covers Nottingham and the surrounding areas.
Rebecca Hudson
Solicitor
Rebecca is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family Law department and specialises in divorce and matrimonial work. She is based at our Lace Market office.
Gabriella Kent
Solicitor
Gabriella Kent is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Nottingham Lace Market office.
Christopher Monro
Senior Solicitor
Chris is an experienced solicitor dealing with most areas of Family and Matrimonial Law and is based at our Market Harborough office.
Ewan Paton
Solicitor
Ewan is a Solicitor in the Family Law department and is based at our West Bridgford office.
Cindy Dodd
Managing Paralegal
Cindy Dodd is a Managing Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Divorce and Family Law team and is based at our Lace Market office in Nottingham city centre.
Gita Patel
Senior Legal Secretary
Gita Patel is a Senior Legal Secretary in the Family Law department at Rothera Bray and is based at our Leicester office.
Lorraine Lloyd
Paralegal
Lorraine is a Paralegal in the Divorce and Family Law department based at our Market Harborough office.
Aleshanee Nagi
Paralegal
Aleshanee Nagi is a Paralegal in the Family Law team based at our Derby and Beeston offices.
Tracey Cosgrove
Legal Secretary
Tracey is a legal secretary in the Family department based at our Leicester office.
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