The end of a civil partnership relationship, whatever the reasoning for it, is an emotional time for all involved. There may be many things to consider moving forward such as financial arrangements, property distribution, business relationships and children to name a few. Our civil partnership dissolution solicitors in Tonbridge can help make this difficult time easier for everyone.
Enlisting the help of an experienced solicitor to work out the fine details and the best way forward can give the dissolution the best chance of ending amicably and fairly, in a timely and cost conscious manner.
At Bailey & Cogger, our friendly team can assist with the legal process of ending your civil partnership, as well as dividing your finances and making arrangements for children. We can also advise on other issues you will need to consider, such as updating your Will.
Before anything can progress, checks will need to be conducted and evidence submitted to show that you have been legally recognised as a civil partnership for a minimum of one year. You will need to complete the application correctly and apply for the necessary court orders promptly so your dissolution can go ahead as quickly and smoothly as possible.
An application can be made either jointly or solely, and we can advise you as to which of these options is more suitable for you.
Book a fixed cost initial consultation with our civil partnership dissolution solicitors in Tonbridge, Kent
To arrange an initial fixed cost appointment with our civil partnership dissolution solicitors, please call us on 01732 353305 or use our simple contact form and we will get back to you quickly.
Bailey & Cogger Solicitors is now incorporated by Hatten Wyatt, meaning you can also access our expertise through local offices in Chatham, Gravesend, Maidstone and Tenterden.
We can also offer meetings by Zoom for clients who have to travel extensively or who now live abroad. In exceptional circumstances, home visits can also be arranged.
How our civil partnership solicitors in Tonbridge can help you
Our Tonbridge civil partnership dissolution solicitors can:
- Check that you are eligible to apply for a dissolution and advise you on how to obtain a legal separation where the eligibility criteria are not met
- Complete the necessary application
- Support you in making suitable arrangements and in resolving disputes about children
- Help you to apply for a parental responsibility in respect of a child you have cared for
- Help you to sort out financial matters and to resolve property disputes
- Advise you on making a will or updating an existing will
- Liaise with pension providers when required to split pension benefits
- Explain the options available to help you reach an amicable agreement, including family mediation or collaborative law; and
- Vigorously represent your interest if any aspect of your dissolution ends up before the courts.
Mediation can be considered as an initial starting block for discussions between the two individuals concerned, however it is important to note that in situations involving domestic violence this will absolutely not be pursued.
How to end a civil partnership
The process for ending a civil partnership changed on 6 April 2022. It is now simpler, without the need to give a reason for the end of your relationship and no possibility of your partner disputing the dissolution (except in very rare and limited circumstances).
The process of dissolving a civil partnership is:
Step 1 – Complete the civil partnership application online (this can be done on paper if you prefer).
Step 2 – The court will officially ‘issue’ your application. If you made a sole application, the court will also send your partner a copy of the application and they will have 14 days to return an Acknowledgement of Service form.
Step 3 – 20 weeks after the application is issued by the court, you can apply for a Conditional Order, which states there is no reason your dissolution cannot go ahead.
Step 4 – 6 weeks after the Conditional Order is issued, you can apply for the Final Order, which legally ends your civil partnership.
Our civil partnership dissolution solicitors can assist with your completing your application and with applying for the Conditional and Final Orders, helping the whole process to go ahead as quickly as possible.
Avoiding unnecessary conflict during civil partnership dissolution
Constructive negotiations
It is often possible to agree the terms of a dissolution quite straightforwardly through private negotiation with your spouse. We can advise you on your rights and what you might expect to receive from a fair settlement, so you can negotiate with confidence.
We can advise you on and review any agreement you reach with your spouse.
Mediation
Mediation is a commonly used method of resolving disputes around the end of a relationship. It involves you and your partner meeting with a trained mediator who acts as a neutral third party to help facilitate a productive discussion around the issues that need to be solved.
The mediator does not tell you want to do, but they can advise on points of law and help to defuse any potential points of conflict. Mediation usually takes place over 3-5 sessions.
Our civil partnership dissolution solicitors can advise on your position and options before mediation and review any agreement reached throughout, so you can be sure it matches your best interests.
Collaborative law
Collaborative law is a form of structured negotiation. It involves a four-way ‘round the table’ meeting between you, your partner and your respective lawyers (who must be trained in collaborative law). You can also have other expert advisers, such as accountants, sit in on the meeting to give professional guidance.
Collaborative law can be a good approach where there are more complex financial issues to resolve, which means you may benefit from having additional support and expertise on hand during negotiations.
Our civil partnership dissolution pricing
Fixed cost initial appointment
We offer an initial 30 minute appointment to discuss your requirements at a fixed cost of £115 plus VAT
Fixed fee civil partnership dissolution
Where appropriate, we may be able to handle parts of your dissolution on a fixed fee basis. This will give you complete certainty over the costs involved.
Why choose Bailey & Cogger Solicitors for your divorce?
Our expertise has been independently recognised with accreditation from the Law Society for Family Law. This provides confidence that we offer a high-quality service in areas including civil partnership dissolution, financial settlements, and arrangements for children.
Our Family Law team is led by Avril Croud, a family lawyer with more than 30 years’ of experience. As a member of the Law Society’s Family Law Panel, Avril is able to offer exceptional legal expertise and empathetic personal support.
Avril is supported by a very strong team, including Resolution accredited specialist and trained collaborative lawyer Deborah Nicholson.
We can also offer the services of our Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) accredited Residential Property team for any property issues involved with your civil partnership dissolution, such as buying or selling a home, transfer of equity, and remortgaging.
Book a fixed cost initial consultation with our civil partnership dissolution solicitors in Tonbridge, Kent
To arrange an initial fixed cost appointment with our civil partnership dissolution solicitors, please call us on 01732 353305 or use our simple contact form and we will get back to your quickly.
Bailey & Cogger Solicitors is now incorporated by Hatten Wyatt, meaning you can also access our expertise through local offices in Chatham, Gravesend, Maidstone and Tenterden.
We can also offer meetings by Zoom for clients who have to travel extensively or who now live abroad. In exceptional circumstances, home visits can also be arranged.