Civil partnership dissolution
If a civil partnership breaks down the process to dissolve the partnership is very similar to a divorce, and in fact is issued using the same form. Proceedings can be issued by either party after they have been in a civil partnership for over a year. The proceedings themselves are usually straightforward and take approximately six months.
In order to commence dissolution proceedings you have to show that the relationship has irretrievably broken down. This needs to be established by relying on one or more of five fault-based facts, which are:
- Adultery
- Unreasonable behaviour
- Desertion
- Two years continuous separation by consent of both parties
- Five years continuous separation (no consent of the other party is required)