Civil Partnership Solicitors in Sheffield

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At Wake Smith Solicitors, our experienced civil partnership lawyers provide clear and compassionate advice for couples looking to dissolve a civil partnership. We understand that not all relationships work out, and separation can be one of the most emotional experiences you face.

As part of our wider Family and Divorce Law services, we can guide you through the legal process of dissolution, ensuring that your rights and interests are protected at every stage.

Understanding Civil Partnership Dissolution

Many people ask whether the civil partnership dissolution process is the same as divorce. While similar, there are key differences. Your partnership must have broken down irretrievably, and you must prove one of the following four facts:

Your partner has behaved in such a way that you cannot reasonably be expected to live with them.
Your partner has deserted you for two or more years.
You and your partner have been separated for two or more years and both agree to the dissolution.
You and your partner have been separated for five or more years.

Unlike divorce (including same-sex divorce), there is no legal provision for adultery in a civil partnership. However, if your partner has been unfaithful, this behaviour can be included in your petition under the “unreasonable behaviour” ground.

Our Civil Partnership Services

Our team can advise on every aspect of civil partnership dissolution, including:

You may also find our practical guide to separating useful for understanding what to expect and how to prepare.

Supportive and Cost-Effective Legal Guidance

We approach every case with empathy, professionalism, and efficiency — aiming to reduce stress and keep costs manageable throughout the process.

Speak to Our Civil Partnership Solicitors in Sheffield

We offer a free 30-minute initial appointment so you can discuss your circumstances and get clear advice on your next steps.

FAQs

Have I committed adultery if I am already separated?

If you are married (whether separated or not) and you have voluntary sexual intercourse with a person who is not your husband/wife, you have committed adultery.

Can I get a quickie divorce?

No, this is just a term coined by the tabloid media. The length of time which a divorce takes through the court process is usually the same for any of the “facts” of divorce, but when the divorce starts is dependent upon whether the parties wish to wait until after two years or five years’ separation or whether they wish to initiate proceedings immediately on adultery or from unreasonable behaviour. A straightforward uncontested divorce where both parties cooperate is likely to take the least amount of time to complete, but these can take longer where there are complicating factors.

If we divorce on the basis of 2 years separation is the process quicker/cheaper?

A divorce on the basis of two years’ separation is one achieved by agreement, rather than a ‘fault’ based divorce (i.e. adultery or unreasonable behaviour). The process is the same, however the petition is slightly more straightforward, and therefore it is not any quicker or cheaper than the alternatives. Getting divorced on the basis of having been separated for two years does not affect your financial claims arising from the marriage, although the change in your circumstances since separation may impact upon these claims.