Civil Partnership Dissolution Solicitors in Birmingham

This page is for civil partners in Birmingham working through dissolution, covering each decision point. The procedure follows the same no-fault framework as divorce under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020.

Ending a civil partnership is a difficult personal decision, but also a legal process. Our Birmingham team acts for both applicants and respondents, and hearings take place at Birmingham Family Court.

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Legal 500 recognised family team
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Resolution member solicitors
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Financial settlement specialists
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Child arrangements experience
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Birmingham city centre office

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What This Involves

Dissolving a civil partnership involves separate decisions: the dissolution itself, financial claims, arrangements for children, and settling or going to court.

The dissolution application

You apply on form D8, alone or jointly, once the civil partnership has lasted a year. You state only that it has broken down irretrievably; no conduct evidence is needed. Our team handles the application and court correspondence on your behalf.

Mediation and alternatives to court

Before applying for a financial or child arrangements order you must attend a MIAM, a meeting to assess whether mediation could work. Mediation usually costs less and moves faster than court. We'll advise and can refer you to a mediator.

Financial settlement and the consent order

Dissolution ends the partnership but not financial claims between you. Without a consent order, your former partner can bring claims years after the final order. We advise on disclosure, negotiate terms and draft the order.

Financial claims: what civil partners can apply for

You have the same financial remedy rights as spouses under Schedule 5 of the Civil Partnership Act 2004, the rules on dividing assets. Orders can cover the home, savings, maintenance and pensions. Our team can examine your situation, and advise you based on the facts.

Pensions on dissolution

Pensions are often the largest asset in a civil partnership, and the most overlooked. You can seek a pension sharing order or an attachment order. We can act on your behalf to obtain transfer values, instruct actuaries where needed and negotiate a fair share.

Arrangements for children

Dissolution does not settle where your children live or the time they spend with each parent. If you cannot agree, you can apply for a child arrangements order under the Children Act 1989.

Complex assets and high-value dissolution

Business interests, property portfolios, overseas assets, trusts and substantial pensions need careful preparation in financial remedy proceedings. We manage disclosure, instruct valuers and challenge under-declared assets.

Judicial separation

Judicial separation formalises separation and financial arrangements without ending the civil partnership. It suits the first year, when dissolution is unavailable, or a personal or religious objection. We advise on whether this is an appropriate route for you.

Contested dissolution

A person can only contest a civil partnership dissolution on validity or jurisdiction, meaning which country's court has authority. Your partner cannot block it simply because they disagree. In cross-border disputes, we act early to protect your position.

Your Confidence, Our Commitment

Meet the Team

Aliya Abid

Solicitor

Aliya advises on dissolution, financial settlements and child arrangements for civil partners and divorcing spouses.

Our Birmingham Office

Our Birmingham office is in Digbeth, less than a mile from the Bullring and New Street Station, with city-centre access by foot, car and bus.

Witan Solicitors (Birmingham)
Bradford Court
123–131 Bradford Street
Digbeth, Birmingham
B12 0NS

Make an Enquiry

Get Civil Partnership Dissolution Advice

You do not need to have decided anything before you speak to us.

Tell us where things stand, and we will explain your options, likely costs and timescales in plain terms, with no obligation to take matters further.

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0300 303 2071

Mon - Fri 8:30 - 5:30

or email us at info@witansolicitors.co.uk

Request a Callback

FAQ

Is dissolving a civil partnership the same as divorce?

The process is almost identical. Both follow the no-fault framework in the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, with the same stages and timescales. The difference is the terminology: dissolution ends a civil partnership, divorce ends a marriage.

What financial claims can I make on dissolution?

Civil partners have the same rights as spouses. Under Schedule 5 of the Civil Partnership Act 2004, the financial provisions, the court can make orders over the family home, other property, savings, lump sums, maintenance and pensions.

Do I need a consent order after civil partnership dissolution?

Yes, if you want financial certainty. Dissolution alone leaves financial claims open indefinitely. A consent order approved by the court records your settlement and stops your former partner bringing claims in future, potentially years after the final order.

How are pensions divided in a civil partnership dissolution?

You can apply for a pension sharing order, which transfers a set percentage of your former partner's pension into your own name, or an attachment order, which pays you part of it when drawn. The right choice depends on the pension values and your ages.

Can my civil partner refuse to agree to dissolution?

No. Under the no-fault framework your partner cannot contest a dissolution because they do not want it. The only grounds for disputing it are whether the civil partnership is valid and whether the courts of England and Wales have jurisdiction.

This page was last reviewed by Aliya Abid, Solicitor, Family Law Team, July 2026. Our family law content is reviewed every six months to ensure it reflects current legislation, case law and market practice.

Witan Solicitors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA 605789). You can view the firm record on the SRA register, and Witan publishes its complaints procedure online.