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 22 May 2026
I used Rebecca's services via Rothera Bray Solicitors to deal with the financial side to a divorce. I had an initial face to face appointment to talk through everything with Rebecca and this made me feel at ease and felt that Rebecca was the right person to help me. Rebecca has kept me highly informed at all stages throughout and has also given lots of great advice and has helped me a lot with getting things sorted. I am really happy with the service that I received and Rebecca was so friendly, kind, understanding and very helpful. I would 100% recommend to anyone who is requiring the help during a divorce.
Leila
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Posted 22 May 2026
Rothera Bray have been excellent in helping me resolve a difficult and expensive divorce, I found them extremely efficient - communication was excellent at all points and generally they were there when I needed them, they all took a personal interest in my case and we arrived at a reasonable resolution thanks to their efforts Specially thanks to Rebecca Emeleus and Rebecca Hudson for their great work, Highly recommended in what are always going to be difficult situation! They are people that you can rely on - which is very important in divorce actions particularly.
Stuart Randall
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Posted 21 May 2026
Sophie is kind and understanding. She explained everything and I felt I was in very capable hands. I would highly recommend Sophie.
Philippa Stephenson
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Posted 14 May 2026
Sophie helped me through the whole experience of getting my case through to fruition with a court order result.
Lesley
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Posted 28 April 2026
I cannot recommend Rothera Bray highly enough, and in particular Emily, who is truly outstanding. Emily took on my case again and from the very beginning she showed that she is unlike other solicitors. She took the time to genuinely listen to me, understand my situation, and focus on what was right for both myself and my children. That immediately set her apart. Where other solicitors had previously pushed their own views, suggesting I accept an undertaking or advising against pursuing a non-molestation order and a section 91(14) order, Emily approached things completely differently. She looked at the full picture, put the needs of the family first, and had the confidence and knowledge to push for what was truly necessary. The outcome has made a significant difference to our lives, and I genuinely believe it would not have been achieved without her. Emily is not only highly knowledgeable and professional, but also incredibly understanding. She puts her clients first, not what is easiest or quickest to achieve, and that level of care and commitment is rare. If you are looking for a solicitor who will truly listen, stand by you, and fight for the right outcome, I would recommend Emily and the team at Rothera Bray without hesitation.
Nathan
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Posted 21 April 2026
Excellent Support and Guidance Through a Difficult Divorce. I recently went through a divorce and required legal support during what was a difficult time. After initially speaking with Jack English at Rothera Bray, I felt confident in instructing him to advise and represent me. Throughout the process, he was consistently accessible, kept me well informed of progress, and communicated clearly at every stage. He struck the right balance between being understanding of the situation while remaining focused and determined to achieve the best possible outcome. I’m very grateful for his support and would not hesitate to recommend his services.
Divorce Client
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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

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 Leicester and Market Harborough offices.

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.

Conduct in financial remedy proceedings: are we seeing a shift in judicial approach?
Ewan Paton from our Family Law team provides comment for legal practitioners on recent case law developments, and whether the courts may be adopting a more nuanced approach to conduct in financial remedy proceedings.

I’ve reached a financial agreement in my divorce – what should I do next?
Deciding how to divide assets during a divorce can be an emotional and stressful process for many and so when an agreement is eventually reached, it can feel like a weight has been lifted – but before you start looking ahead and planning your future, it is important to make sure you formally record the agreement you have reached.

A “modern” start – the new template Non-Molestation Order, President’s Guidance January 2026
Gabriella Kent from Rothera Bray’s Family Law team provides comment for legal teams following the publication of the President of the Family Law Division’s new guidance.

Rothera Bray expands Family Law team with three new appointments
We’re delighted to announce that we have expanded our Family Law team with the appointments of Managing Associate Julie McCrery, Associate Sophie Spreckley, and Solicitor Jack English.

People Focus: Family & Child Care – Emily Sherwood
Meet Emily Sherwood, our Associate Solicitor in the Child Care and Family Law department, based at our Nottingham office. We find out what inspired Emily to pursue this particular area of law and what hobbies she enjoys outside of the office.

Secret recordings in family law cases: helpful or harmful?
As a family lawyer I come across all sorts of situations in family court cases, but one that is becoming more common is covert (secret) recordings of children or the other parent. It’s a difficult issue. One party might feel compelled to record, to substantiate their claims and stop false accusations. However, covert recordings have generally been frowned upon by the courts.

What to know before moving away with your child
Relocating with your child whether to another part of the UK or abroad can be a fresh start. However, it’s also a decision filled with legal and emotional complexities. If your child has regular contact with their other parent, the process may be more challenging than expected.

Untying the knot: ten most common questions
Curious about how long a divorce takes, what your financial rights are, or whether there are alternatives to divorce?