Civil Partnerships
Civil Partnership Dissolution Solicitors
Our civil partnership solicitors have significant experience advising couples on pre-partnership agreements, which set out financial and property arrangements in the event of a dissolution or the partnership ending.
“Osbornes have a first-class family law team providing an excellent service for their loyal clients.”
“Osbornes handle a significant amount of complex, high-value divorce work.”
“Osbornes do some really complex work. The team are very solutions-focused, know the law and know when to take a firm line.”
What is a Civil Partnership?
A civil partnership, introduced in the Civil Partnership Act 2004, offers couples, regardless of sex, legal recognition akin to marriage. Originally created to provide same-sex couples with similar legal protections to marriage, the law was extended in 2019 to include opposite-sex couples in England and Wales.
Entering into a civil partnership gives both partners a wide range of legal rights, similar to those available to married couples. These include:
- Property rights, such as joint ownership and protection during separation
- Pension entitlements, including spousal benefits from occupational or private pension schemes
- Tax benefits, including inheritance tax exemptions and income tax allowances
- Next-of-kin status, which affects medical decisions
- Parental responsibility, especially important in relation to children arrangements, adoption, and family planning
Civil partners also benefit from the same legal processes as married couples when it comes to ending the relationship. This includes a formal dissolution process through the courts.
If you’re considering entering into a civil partnership or need advice on your rights, our experienced family law solicitors can guide you through every step.
How do you form a Civil Partnership?
Forming a civil partnership is a legal process that grants your relationship formal recognition under UK law. To be eligible, both partners must:
- Be over 16 and not already married or in a civil partnership (with parental consent required if under 18 in England and Wales)
- Not be already married or in an existing civil partnership
- Not be closely related to each other
To begin the process, you must give formal notice of your intention to register a civil partnership at your local register office. This involves attending an appointment in person and providing details such as your name, age, address, nationality, and marital status. You’ll also need to bring valid identification and proof of address.
After giving notice, there is a 15-day waiting period before the civil partnership can be registered. This allows time for any legal objections to be raised. Once the waiting period has passed, you can sign the civil partnership schedule in front of a registrar and two witnesses. Unlike a marriage, there is no legal requirement for a ceremony, though many couples choose to have one.
Ending a Civil Partnership: What does dissolution involve?
If your civil partnership breaks down and you decide to separate, you’ll need to apply for a dissolution order, the legal process that formally ends a civil partnership. This is the equivalent of divorce for married couples.
A dissolution must be granted by the family court and can be applied for by either partner. If children are involved, our Civil Partnership Dissolution Solicitors can help ensure that appropriate child arrangements and financial agreements are made in the best interests of the family.
Timeline for Dissolution of a Civil Partnership
Once the application is issued by the court:
- A minimum of 20 weeks must pass before either the sole applicant or both joint applicants can apply for a conditional order.
- Six weeks after the conditional order is granted, the final application can be made.
- Upon issue of the final order, the civil partnership is legally dissolved.
While it may be tempting to move quickly through the process, it’s often advisable to delay applying for the final order until all financial matters, including property, pensions, maintenance, and inheritance rights, have been properly addressed.
We strongly recommend speaking to a specialist Civil Partnership Dissolution Solicitor early in the process to ensure your financial position is protected. Our experienced solicitors can guide you through the entire procedure, helping you avoid costly mistakes and securing the best possible outcome.
Your rights during a relationship breakdown
A relationship breakdown can be emotionally and financially challenging. Understanding your legal rights, particularly when it comes to your home and financial arrangements, can help you make informed decisions and protect your position.
Matrimonial Home Rights in a Civil Partnership
If you are in a civil partnership and your home is owned solely by your partner, you may still have a legal right to remain in the property.
Under matrimonial home rights, civil partners (just like married couples) have the right to:
- Live in the family home, even if they are not named on the title or tenancy
- Prevent eviction without a court order
- Apply to register their rights with the Land Registry to protect their interest in the property
These rights can be particularly important when children are involved. If you’re concerned about your housing situation during a separation, speak to one of our lawyers as early as possible.
Case Insight: Lawrence v Gallagher (2012)
The Court of Appeal’s 2012 decision in Lawrence v Gallagher remains a landmark case in how financial settlements are approached following the dissolution of a civil partnership.
The couple, Peter Lawrence, a City analyst, and Don Gallagher, a stage actor, had been in a relationship for over a decade and registered their civil partnership shortly before separating. Despite the legal partnership lasting only seven months, the court considered the entire 11-year relationship when deciding how to divide the couple’s £4 million in assets.
At the heart of the dispute was a London property purchased by Mr Lawrence before the relationship, which had significantly increased in value. The court ruled that it should be treated as part of the matrimonial assets due to its use as the couple’s shared home. Mr Gallagher was ultimately awarded £1.7 million, recognising not just financial contributions, but his domestic role in maintaining the home.
This case confirmed that civil partnership dissolutions follow the same financial principles as divorce, and that courts will look at the broader context of the relationship, especially in long-term partnerships. Pre-owned assets may be subject to division if they have been shared and used by both partners, and non-financial contributions such as homemaking carry significant weight in settlement decisions.
Pre- and Post-Partnership Agreements
Pre-partnership agreements (similar to prenuptial agreements) allow couples to set out how finances, property, and assets will be handled if the relationship breaks down. These agreements can help avoid disputes and provide peace of mind—especially where one or both partners have significant assets or children from a previous relationship.
Post-partnership agreements (similar to postnuptial agreements) are made after the civil partnership has been formalised. While not currently legally binding in England and Wales, the courts may take them into account, particularly where:
- Both partners entered the agreement freely and willingly
- There was full financial disclosure by both sides
- Each partner received independent legal advice
If properly drafted, these agreements can carry significant weight and provide a clear framework for financial arrangements in the event of a dissolution.
Why Choose Osbornes Law?
We understand ending a civil partnership can be emotionally taxing. You’ll be supported with compassion, and practical advice tailored to your needs, whether that’s settling finances, securing child arrangements, or protecting your home.
Our team is recognised by Chambers UK and Legal 500 for leading family law, including civil partnerships and complex financial disputes . With years of experience, we support clients through contested dissolution, high-value financial remedies, and non-court dispute resolution.
Get expert advice & support today
Whether you’re considering entering into a civil partnership, planning ahead with agreements, navigating a dissolution, or dealing with property and financial matters, we’re here to help.
- Call us at 020 7485 8811, or
- Complete an enquiry form
FAQs
Is a civil partnership the same as marriage?
Not exactly. While civil partnerships and marriages offer many of the same legal rights and protections, such as those related to property, inheritance, pensions, next-of-kin status, and parental responsibility, they remain two distinct legal institutions.
One key difference is in terminology and formation. Civil partners sign a civil partnership document, whereas married couples exchange vows. There are also minor differences in how partnerships and marriages are legally dissolved, though both now follow a no-fault process in England and Wales.
How long do I have to wait before I can apply for dissolution?
You must wait at least one year from the date your civil partnership was legally registered before you can apply for a dissolution. This applies throughout England and Wales, regardless of the reasons for the relationship breakdown.
This waiting period mirrors the rules for divorce. However, once the year has passed, you can apply under the no-fault dissolution rules, meaning you do not need to assign blame or prove wrongdoing, only that the partnership has irretrievably broken down.
What happens to shared assets and pensions?
When a civil partnership ends, the court has wide-ranging powers to fairly divide financial assets, just as it does in a divorce. This includes:
Property: The court can order the sale or transfer of jointly owned or solely owned properties. Savings and Investments: Assets held in joint or individual names may be subject to redistribution. Pensions: The court can issue pension sharing or attachment orders to ensure a fair division of retirement savings. Maintenance: Spousal maintenance may be awarded in certain cases, depending on income needs and financial disparity.Each case is assessed individually, with the aim of achieving a fair outcome based on the length of the partnership, the couple’s financial needs, and the welfare of any children involved.
Can I remain in the family home if the property is in my partner’s name?
Yes, you may have the right to remain in the home, even if you’re not the legal owner. If your civil partner owns the property in their sole name, you can apply to register your matrimonial home rights with the Land Registry. This legal protection:
Prevents your partner from selling or mortgaging the home without your knowledge. Allows you to remain in the property unless a court decides otherwise.This is especially important in cases where children are involved or where one partner is financially dependent on the other.
Do the same rules apply to ending civil partnerships and marriages?
A case at the Court of Appeal over the splitting of a gay couple’s £4 million assets has made headlines due to the couple’s financial situation.
Peter Lawrence, a city analyst and Don Gallagher a stage actor, made the decision to dissolve their civil partnership after seven months, although the couple had been together for eleven years prior to entering the civil partnership. The court awarded Mr Gallagher £1.7 million on the dissolution of the partnership, most of which would come from the value of the central London flat they once shared.
Same rules should apply to civil partnerships and marriagesMr Lawrence who earns approximately £400,000 per year and who was by far the higher earner has appealed claiming the flat should not be included in the settlement. Counsel for Mr Lawrence argued that he bought the London flat just before the couple met and should not be treated as a shared asset. The flat which was bought for £650,000 is now worth £2.4 million. The barrister for Mr Lawrence told the court: “This was, of course, a civil partnership rather than a marriage and although the same principles apply, it is a simple truth that in a homosexual relationship it is more likely that the couple will not have children, and that they will therefore each continue to pursue their careers throughout the partnership, as they did before”.
Counsel for Mr Gallagher responded claiming that while he had joined the relationship with no more than £40,000 of his own assets he had performed a “major domestic and home-making role” in the relationship. It was argued that Mr Gallagher had “helped to create and maintain a lovely home in the flat in various ways including improvement of layout, fixtures and redecoration.
Without including the flat in the assets to be split, Mr Gallagher would be entitled to around £620,000. A decision by the Court of Appeal is expected later this year. This case is of interest as it will set a precedent in the settling of financial issues when dissolving civil partnerships.
Speak to a Family Solicitor Today
Call us 020 7485 8811
Email us Send us an email and we’ll get back to you
Head of team Mark Freedman represents a wide range of individuals, including media figures, entrepreneurs, and CEOs in their financial remedy matters.
Mark is commercially savvy and know how to do a sensible deal when necessary, but is also prepared to fight when the case demands it.
Mark knows exactly how a case will pan out from the outset and gives realistic and robust advice to his clients.
Mark Freedman is a hugely experienced and respected operator.
Lisa brings an ‘A-class act’ when mediating in areas of financial remedy work and cases involving children.
Lisa Pepper is the ’go-to’ for all types of mediation - hybrid, shuttle, full and half days.
Lisa has a knack of focusing on the important issues and steering a path towards resolution.
Lisa Pepper is an excellent mediator, whom I have no hesitation in recommending to clients as she is extremely knowledgeable and supportive.
Lisa Pepper is one of the London stars, managing tough cases with kindness and deep knowledge. She's one of the capital's go-to.
Lisa Pepper is a terrific mediator. She is warm, engaging and has years of skill and experience behind her. A class act.
Lisa Pepper advises on cross-border cases involving clients and assets in Switzerland, France, and Antigua.
Lisa Pepper is unflappable, enormously conscientious and great for cases with a tricky children and financial dimension effortlessly between Gibraltar, Spain and English jurisdictions.
They represent the whole spectrum of society, through to the most high-net-worth clients.
A highly respected firm with many capable lawyers.
Osbornes‘ family team handles divorce and financial matters involving trusts, locating assets within companies, and resolving multijurisdictional issues.
Osbornes is an under-the-radar jewel. They have very good lawyers who are tenacious and highly effective.
Osbornes have a first-class family law team providing an excellent service for their loyal clients.
They care about their casework, and they do a full spectrum of family work, handling complex finance matters and also difficult children work.
A really dynamic and knowledgeable firm with high quality individuals from top to bottom.
Great firm with a brilliant reputation.
They are a full-service team dealing with both children and money.
Osbornes are a London based firm but their client list goes far and wide.
Osbornes has a culture of dedication to clients and hard work.
Osbornes do some really complex work. The team is very solutions-focused, know the law and know when to take a firm line.
Osbornes' solicitors know what their client needs on each day as it’s an emotional and difficult journey. They are always there, 24/7.
Osbornes offers a high level of client care and manages client expectations realistically.
They have a strong team, are heavyweights in this space and are very well respected in the courts.
Osbornes handle a significant amount of complex, high-value divorce work.
Osbornes have talented fee-earners at all levels.
Osbornes is a top-end firm, a very well-established name. They have high-value matters, deal with complex matters and have a good team.
I have found the team at Osbornes works very well together to diligently produce a quality end result. Client service has been excellent and I feel like I am in safe hands.
Osbornes is a power house of a family firm. They are robust but realistic and client focused.
Osbornes has lawyers with excellent experience.
Osbornes is a hugely impressive firm that offers strength and depth to its clients.
The family law team at Osbornes is one of the strongest in London.
Osbornes‘ family team is headed up by Mark Freedman, a mediator and fighter who will get the job done on both complex financial matters and international children cases.
A market leader across public law, international cases, financial and children work.
"Osbornes Law have a very broad family practice which does all areas of family law at a high level. They have an excellent practice; they are top quality across the board."
Osbornes have been a sound firm forever. They have phenomenal work and an excellent skill set.
Osbornes have high-end partners doing high-end work. They are very impressive.
They have an excellent practice; they are top quality across the board.
Osbornes have a very broad family practice which does all areas of family law at a high level.
He is very hard-working, diligent and thoughtful in his approach. He is on top of the detail and makes strategic decisions.
He commits himself to getting the best results.
He’s a really tough litigator that you certainly want on your side. He will defend his clients to the hilt.
Mark is an immensely capable lawyer, with vast experience and a well-deserved reputation for getting the very best for his clients.
Lisa Pepper is extremely hard-working and adored by her clients. She is a very empathetic and approachable lawyer.
She’s an extremely supportive and kind lawyer and has an increasing mediation profile too
Andrew secured me the best financial settlement for my claim. He is a credit to Osbornes Solicitors.
"It has a strong and experienced team of solicitors who don’t take bad points, work sensibly to get a settlement and who you can always pick up the phone and speak to. They are good lawyers and know the strengths and weaknesses of their clients’ cases. They don’t posture and always pursue their clients cases appropriately. "
"Mark Freedman is a very capable lawyer, renowned for not being a pushover and pushing his clients’ cases as much as he can, but will always talk sensibly about settlement. He is among the best – tenacious, good judgment and tactically aware."
"Mark Freedman is a dynamic and highly experienced family lawyer who fights extremely hard for his clients and is always in their corner, thus ensuring their loyalty and confidence. In a trial you would always want him on your side."
"Bridget Thompson combines her excellent legal knowledge with a clear, succinct and robust style of advice and advocacy. Her approach clearly inspires a high degree of client confidence in her"
"She has impressed me as someone who fights my corner but also understands the importance of resolving issues without unnecessary escalation. She is calm and reassuring."
"Her mediation practice is exceptional; she is also a great solicitor and has a breadth of skill which is really useful."
"He is really experienced and wise. He has a lovely manner about him and clients feel safe with him."
"Jo Wescott is top notch and widely recognised as a rising star throughout the profession. She brings a winning combination of great judgement, an immense work ethic, and a relaxed and charming way with opponents and clients alike. Someone you want on your side”
"Osbornes is pre-eminent for family law in North London. Mark Freedman is a real rainmaker. He is an excellent lawyer and has a top-notch practice"
Mark Freedman is intelligent and personable and has a good selection of high-net work cases.
"Exceptional value for money. Highly competent and reasonably priced. Mark Freedman: one of the best in the field."
"Client-focused. Ready to fight the clients’ corner, but also ready where possible to steer client from unnecessary dispute. Mark Freedman – very experienced, with good instinct for the eventual result. Clients love him and he thinks ahead and directs the client to the best result for the client."
Mark Freedman is a serious player. A fearless family law litigator, who protects his clients’ interests passionately.
Breadth of knowledge and willingness to go the extra mile is what makes it stand out. Mark Freedman – devoted to his clients
Mark Freedman frequently takes on high-value financial and children proceedings that involve complex tax, trust and accounting issues. Sources praise the "tenacity and common sense" he brings to challenging disputes.
"Mark is very experienced, competent, good with clients and takes a sensible approach to cases. He knows exactly what he's doing."
"An exceptional outfit. They take on difficult cases, fight hard and win."
"They are an outstanding firm to work with. They are consistently impressive in their work."
"The team frequently deals with cross-border estates for high–net-worth individuals."
"Mark Freedman is a real heavyweight litigator who has dealt with some very significant cases."
"Mark Freedman boxes clever, keeps his powder dry and when it comes to the end game he negotiates a really good deal."
"Mark Freedman has a specific focus on high-net-worth divorces and finance cases where there are overseas assets and trusts."
"Lisa Pepper somehow manages to get parties to settle on matters where there isn’t much hope to start out with."
"Well-regarded family practice assisting clients with substantial matrimonial disputes and sensitive children proceedings."
"Mark Freedman draws acclaim for his work in high net worth divorce cases, including those involving company structures, family trusts and overseas assets."
"He never gives up. He fights for you to the end and has boundless energy."
Bridget Thompson heads the family team, where client care is the top priority.
Mark Freedman advises high-net-worth clients and knows his stuff.
Highly regarded for his experience as a litigation and mediation expertise, Mark Freedman is tenacious and determined. Clients really feel that he is fighting their corner.
[The Family Law department] handles significant matrimonial finance cases and complex nuptial agreements. Respected for its expertise in cross-border children law matters.
They have a really good, strong team, with the junior elements punching well above their weight. It doesn't matter who you talk to; they are all switched on."
"Mark Freedman receives a lot of instructions from clients based abroad, often relating to complex divorce proceedings. Sources say: “His main strengths are his enthusiastic passion for the job in hand and his total dedication to his clients.”
News & Insights from our Family Law SolicitorsVIEW ALL
3.10.2025Hague Abduction and Protective Measures
Hague abduction and protective measures: lessons from S v Q Serena Sandhu represented the mother in the matter of S...
Read more
22.9.2025Lesson from a Failed Child Relocation Challenge: Engage...
A recent Family Court judgment underscores a vital lesson for separated parents involved in child relocation disputes. How a case...
Read more- 17.9.2025
Your Guide to Creating a Parenting Plan
A well-written parenting plan can help separated parents reduce conflict whilst putting children’s needs first. When parents divorce or...
Read more - 2.9.2025
Risks of Overseas Sperm Donation: Declaration of Non-Parentage
The risks of overseas sperm donation: declaration of non-parentage made against ‘de facto father’ At Osbornes Law, the family team...
Read more - 29.8.2025
UK Court Recognizes Stranding in Complex Child Abduction...
Legal win for mother left stranded in Afghanistan after her children were abducted to the UK The Court of Appeal’...
Read more - 28.8.2025
Relocating with Your Child? Plan Thoughtfully
Planning to relocate with your child? Your case depends on a child‑focused, realistic plan Re Simon [2025] EWFC 249 highlights the...
Read more - 28.8.2025
‘Acquiescence’ Defence to International Child Abduction Succeeds
‘Acquiescence’ defence to cross-border child abduction dispute succeeds At Osbornes Law, our specialist child abduction team supports clients in a...
Read more - 7.8.2025
Return of Abducted Children Ordered Despite Their Objections
Court orders return of children despite their objections The international family law team at Osbornes Law advises and represents parents...
Read more - 28.7.2025
Court Intermediaries: Protecting the Vulnerable
Court-appointed intermediaries for the vulnerable: a test of ‘necessity’ At Osbornes Law, our experienced children and family team represents many...
Read more - 4.7.2025
Standish v Standish: What Counts as Matrimonial Property?
Supreme Court upholds Court of Appeal decision In a landmark ruling handed down on 2 July 2025, the Supreme Court upheld an...
Read more 
11.6.2025‘Worthless’ Shares Used to Undermine Divorce Claim
‘Worthless’ share transfer found to undermine wife’s financial claim The financial remedies team at Osbornes Law advise and represent...
Read more- 11.6.2025
Property Value Drop Won’t Change Financial Order
Drop in matrimonial home value is not enough to overturn a financial order, says Court The financial remedies team at...
Read more - 21.5.2025
Surrogacy Law for Older Parents
International surrogacy, older parents and future implications for a child At Osbornes Law, the family team specialises in both international...
Read more - 17.4.2025
The Risks of International Surrogacy: A Cautionary Message
The risks of international surrogacy and the importance of getting legal advice At Osbornes Law, the family solicitors are specialists...
Read more 
17.2.2025Domestic Violence: Restricting Parental Responsibility
Domestic violence, coercive control and restricting parental responsibility Parental responsibility (PR) is an inherent legal right for most birth parents,...
Read more- 4.2.2025
Expensive Purchases in Prenups: Joint or Sole Property?
Prenuptial agreements: are expensive purchases joint or sole property? The experienced family lawyers at Osbornes Law advise wealthy and high...
Read more - 23.1.2025
Contempt of Court: Law Commission’s Reform Proposals
Reforming Contempt of Court: Law Commission’s Proposals The Law Commission had been tasked by the Government to review the...
Read more - 23.1.2025
Post-Adoption Contact With Birth Parent: Not If Adopters...
Post-Adoption Contact With Birth Parent It is not uncommon for a birth parent to seek direct contact with an adopted...
Read more - 23.1.2025
A High Bar For Challenging Adoption Orders
Challenging adoption orders Adoption orders bring considerable implications for all the parties and judges do not make such orders lightly....
Read more - 16.1.2025
The Importance Of An Older Child’s Feelings...
The importance of an older child’s feelings and wishes when making a final order When decisions are made concerning...
Read more - 16.12.2024
Vulnerable Clients: Female Psychologist Appointed
Court Allows Female Expert for Abuse Victim in Family Case Many of our family clients are highly vulnerable, and sensitivity...
Read more 
4.11.2024Anglo-French Divorce: Jurisdiction Guide
Anglo-French Divorce: which jurisdiction is right for you? It has been a year since we launched our Anglo-French department in...
Read more- 1.10.2024
Borrowing Money for Legal Fees in Divorce
What if I can’t afford a lawyer for my divorce? When navigating a divorce, it is widely understood that...
Read more - 27.9.2024
Navigating Divorce, Child Arrangements, and the Jewish Festivals:...
A Jewish divorce presents unique challenges, especially regarding child arrangements and upcoming festivals. Balancing differing levels of religious observance can...
Read more
Accreditations
Our Family Lawyers View the whole team
Claire Andrews
Partner
Family LawMelissa Arnold
Partner
Family LawMark Freedman
Partner
Family LawLee Henderson
Partner
Family LawJonathan Jonas
Partner
Family LawMaria Kitsiou
Partner
Family LawLisa Pepper
Partner
Family LawYael Selig
Partner
Family LawAndrew Watson
Partner
Family LawJoanne Wescott
Managing Partner
Family LawNaomi Angell
Consultant
Family LawDiana Bastow
Senior Associate
Family LawJohn Burrell
Consultant
Family LawEmily Charlesworth
Solicitor
Family LawLauren Gaines
Senior Associate
Family LawSara Gatt-Floridia
Paralegal
Family LawAlicja Glabicka
Paralegal
Family LawHannah Goldstein
Solicitor
Family LawIsabelle James
Solicitor
Family LawRobert Jenkin
Paralegal
Family LawChloe Khor
Trainee Solicitor
Family LawDavid Leadercramer
Consultant
Family LawEmma Lees
Solicitor
Family LawMaeve Lucey
Associate
Family LawView the
whole team
