Civil Partnerships.
Civil Partnerships.
Our team of specialists can help you with Civil Partnership Dissolutions, as well as settlements and childcare arrangements.
Ending a relationship is never easy, and when that relationship involves a civil partnership, the legal and emotional complexities can add another layer of difficulty.
Whether you are coming to terms with a separation or simply need clarity on your legal position, it’s completely natural to feel uncertain about the future. Our family law team is here to offer not just legal advice, but compassionate support that places your wellbeing at the centre of everything we do.
At Lanyon Bowdler, you’ll be supported by a team of highly regarded family law specialists with extensive experience in civil partnership dissolutions and management. Recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers UK, we are proud to be consistently ranked among the leading law firms in the region. Our solicitors are known not only for their legal expertise, but also for their ability to guide clients through complex and often sensitive matters with warmth, discretion, and professionalism.
We understand that every family dynamic is different. Whether you’re seeking advice on dissolving a civil partnership, converting it into a marriage, resolving financial matters, or understanding parental rights, our advice is always tailored to your unique circumstances. With deep knowledge of the legal distinctions between civil partnerships and same-sex marriage, we can help you make informed decisions with confidence.
You don’t need to navigate this process alone. Speak to our friendly and experienced family law team today. We listen and we care.
If you wish to end your civil partnership, you will need to obtain permission from the court to have it legally dissolved. You will need to provide evidence that the relationship has broken down irretrievably because of one of the following reasons:
You will then be granted one of two possible court orders:
If your partnership has lasted for less than 12 months, the court will grant you a Separation Order as the first step towards your final dissolution. Your civil partnership will not be finally and legally dissolved at this stage, so you will be unable to enter into another civil partnership until you have been granted a Dissolution Order.
A Dissolution Order can only be granted once a civil partnership has been in place for more than 12 months. It can follow a Separation Order or be given in its own right if the civil partnership has lasted for more than a year.
If you are seeking a civil partnership dissolution, we can help you with your financial and child care arrangements including:
We are able to advise on property transfers, lump sum payments and ongoing maintenance to ensure that your financial package provides you with everything you need for the future.
Lanyon Bowdler’s position as one of the region’s leading family law firms is recognised throughout the legal industry. We are included in The Legal 500 and Chambers UK guides for recommended law firms.
We are known for our excellent customer service and for achieving the very best results possible for all clients, but don’t just take our word for it. Get in touch and find out how we can help you.
At Lanyon Bowdler, we provide sensitive, expert guidance to individuals and couples navigating the legal aspects of civil partnerships. Whether you’re entering into a partnership, considering conversion to marriage, or facing a dissolution, our experienced family law solicitors are here to support you every step of the way. We offer clear, practical advice tailored to your circumstances, including assistance with financial arrangements, parental responsibility, and future planning. With a focus on empathy and professionalism, we aim to protect your interests while making the legal process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Recognised as one of the region’s leading family law firms by the 2026 edition of Legal 500, a national guide that recommends legal practices. The guide states:
“From negotiating pre-nuptial agreements to navigating complex and sensitive child cases, the team at Lanyon Bowdler helps clients before the courts and via ADR under the direction of ‘exceptional’ Sue Hodgson, an expert in complex child-related disputes, including cases with cross-border, safeguarding, and criminal aspects.”
‘The family department at Lanyon Bowdler is ‘big enough to have a range of experience, but local enough to give a personal service’.
The 2026 edition of Chambers UK ranks the department in Band 2 for West Midlands and states: “It represents clients in financial matters involving trusts, pensions and overseas assets, such as divorce proceedings and prenuptial agreements, with notable expertise in cases concerning farming families. The team also supports clients in complex Children Act matters involving allegations of criminal behaviour and domestic abuse. The practice offers a range of dispute resolution options, including collaborative law services.”
“They are well informed, objective and very supportive. There is a wider understanding of the case within the department, and the decision-making process is based on facts and objectivity.”
“I found everyone who I came into contact with excellent and very professional.”
“The lawyers are meticulous, well prepared and give robust advice. They have a wealth of experience in this area of law, and clients can be confident that they are being advised by experts.”
Lanyon Bowdler is proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, in recognition of the remarkable work carried out by our military personnel. Together, with local councils and a number of other organisations including Help for Heroes, Royal British Legion, Veterans UK, local military regiments and West Mercia Police, we are working hard to make sure our armed forces have access to any vital services they may need.
Our role in the partnership is to provide the very best specialist, legal advice to any veterans and serving personnel across Shropshire and Herefordshire who may need it, and we attend the community hub in Shrewsbury town centre each month, so that our service is easily accessible to all.
We understand the unique issues that many veterans and members of the armed forces can face, and hope to make a difference as part of this local Operations Group. It is our way of saying a heartfelt thank you for everything they do to protect us all and keep us safe.
If both parties are in full agreement, dissolving your civil partnership can be a simple process. However, where there are disagreements about matters such as children and division of assets, you will need further legal advice to help you find an agreement and ensure that your interests and finances are fully protected.
Ending the legal agreement between civil partners is very similar to the divorce process, therefore an application will need to be made to the court by either or both parties.
This has been made simpler and less hostile with the introduction of the Divorce, Dissolution, and Separation Act 2020 and the No-Fault Divorce, however complications are still common, especially surrounding children arrangements and financial settlements. This is where the assistance of an experienced Civil Partnership Dissolution Solicitor becomes invaluable.
Before April 2022, the only way to successfully obtain a civil partnership dissolution was to apply for either a Dissolution Order or a Separation Order. Separating spouses would have needed to provide evidence to the court proving their relationship had irretrievably broken down by meeting criteria such as unreasonable behaviour, desertion, or separation with or without consent.
With the introduction of No Fault Divorce under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, there is no longer a need to prove the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship. Couples can apply jointly or solely, and a process that used to take years and was filled with acrimony and legal confrontations can now be completed in a matter of months. You can find more information about the legislation on our Guide to No Fault Divorce.
Civil partnerships have been available for same sex couples in the UK since 2005, to provide similar legal rights and protections as marriage. There are, however, key differences with regard to matters such as pensions and marital status abroad, which are addressed through same sex marriage. This was introduced in the UK through the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 and affords the exact same legal rights as heterosexual marriage. It also allows couples to convert their civil partnership to a marriage if they wish, so they can benefit from the added legal protections and security, such as:
Our team of family law experts can help you with all the documentation and evidence required to successfully apply for a civil partnership dissolution.
Clear and regular communication is key in helping you to feel calm and in control, and we will provide you with regular updates and clear advice to keep you fully informed throughout. Our aim is to make the legal process as easy as possible so that you are able to reach a satisfactory conclusion and begin to get your life back on track.
We are experts in collaborative law and can help you to find a positive outcome through negotiation and discussion. We have an excellent track record of success with this approach and can also connect you to some of the top mediators in the area if required, to help you avoid lengthy and costly court proceedings. Securing you a quick and amicable resolution is our number one priority to reduce any antagonism and upset, particularly when there are children involved.
We are also able to assist you with:
We believe that everyone should be able to access excellent legal representation and we work hard to ensure that our service is available to everyone, regardless of financial situation. Lanyon Bowdler offers a choice of payment plans from pay as you go and fixed fees to the traditional hourly charging arrangements so that budget isn’t a barrier to the help and support you need. We represent the best in terms of lawyers, value and customer service and are happy to discuss the different plans available to you so that you are able to make an informed decision and know what to expect. We are always completely upfront about all of the legal costs involved so for more detailed information please don’t hesitate to call us so we can help you to explore your options.
At what was a challenging time for me, I was guided calmly through a process I knew nothing of.
Staci has been fantastic in dealing with my divorce and financial matter. She was approachable and supportive throughout a personally challenging time, and her communication and clarity was always excellent. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Staci, or Lanyon Bowdler.
I found the service and advice given regarding my matter to be professional and appropriate and my matter was brought to a very swift and satisfactory conclusion. I always felt my Solicitor really had my best interests at heart, I had every confidence.
From the first contact, the team at Lanyon Bowdler gave a fast & efficient service. They were very friendly & gave me the confidence that I had found the right solicitors. The advice given & the fast responses were beyond my expectations. The matter was resolved in no time at all.
After the solicitor firm I was using for my divorce couldn’t get it settled in two years, I transferred to Lanyon Bowdler. Within seven months they got it completely finished and over with. They proactively pushed to get my case closed and were supportive throughout. Absolutely worthy to be called the best.
Lanyon Bowdler managed my case very professionally and were very helpful during a difficult and challenging case both in a professional and personal capacity. I would highly recommend Lanyon Bowdler for all legal matters and would definitely engage in the future if the need arises.
I would not hesitate to recommend LB Solicitors to anyone needing guidance and representation for family law or divorce proceedings. My solicitor was thorough and diligent, balancing professional rigour with fairness, reasonableness and sensitivity. I feel this approach helped me to obtain a satisfactory settlement avoiding costly and unnecessary conflict.
Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.
I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.
All work carried out effectively and efficiently.
An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.
From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.
Used Lanyon Bowdler for conveyancing and for legal advice – both solicitors I worked with were effective and professional. Law firm was fast and responsive to queries and clear pricing.
Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.
Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.
I was impressed with the forensic approach to identifying, securing, assessing and presenting evidence over the two years that it took to finally resolve the issue.
I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.
Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.
Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.
Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.
Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.
Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.
We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.
Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice
Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.
Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.
Everything has been dealt with very efficiently in a very kind and professional manner.
Contact us for a friendly, confidential conversation about how we can support you with any legal matters relating to civil partnerships or same-sex marriage. Whether you need advice on forming or dissolving a legal union, managing finances, or resolving child arrangements, our expert Family Solicitors are here to help. You can reach us by phone or by completing our secure online enquiry form.
By choosing Lanyon Bowdler, you can be confident that you’re in safe hands. Our team of Family Law Solicitors has extensive experience across all areas of family law, and we are proud to be recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers UK for our client-focused service and legal expertise. We understand how personal these matters are, and always act with compassion, discretion, and sensitivity—working closely with you to achieve the best possible outcome.
We have offices in Shrewsbury, Bromyard, Conwy, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry, and Telford, meaning we are well placed to support clients throughout Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales. Our solicitors also regularly assist individuals and couples across the Midlands, including Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Worcester.
If visiting us in person is not convenient, we are happy to arrange a remote appointment or home visit to suit your needs.
As a leading full-service law firm, we can represent you wherever you live in England or Wales. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Family Law experts at Lanyon Bowdler. We listen, we care, and we’re here for you.
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