Separation

Family & Divorce Solicitors in Lincoln UK

• Children’s matters
• Civil partnerships dissolution
• Civil partnerships
• Cohabitation agreements
• Divorce information
• Divorce process
• Financial settlements
• Pensions on divorce
• Pre-nuptial agreements
• Separation

Contact Us for a Free Initial Consultation. Ask for your FREE copy of our booklet A guide to Divorce or Separation.

We take on Agency work for all aspects of Family Law.

What happens when a civil partnership comes to an end?

As in marriage, civil partnerships must be legally dissolved if the couple decide to end the relationship and the only ground for dissolving the partnership is, like divorce, the& irretrievable breakdown of the relationship. This must be based on one of four facts - which are again identical to those for divorce save for the omission of adultery. The procedure for dissolution is almost identical to that of divorce. Upon dissolution of the partnership the court will make a Dissolution Order.

Again, similar to divorce, the civil partnership can be annulled by the court, in certain circumstances.

To dissolve a civil partnership, it must have lasted for at least one year. The court must be satisfied that the relationship has permanently broken down, to do this you need to prove one of the following facts:

• Behaviour
• Separation of 2 years or more with consent; or
• Separation of 5 years or more
• Desertion

Separation

Separation can be an option for both married and unmarried couples, whether as a short term trial before divorce or a longer term solution. We can help to make your separation work for you, from preparing a Separation Agreement to include arranging finances and children's matters to making an application to the court for a Judicial Separation if appropriate.

Contact us to book a free initial consultation and to request a copy of our free booklet, a Guide to Divorce or Separation.

You must make arrangements for any children before you can be considered for a separation order.

If there are children in the family you must decide on the day-to-day care arrangements. The courts can do this if you are unable to reach an amicable decision. They will only step in if it will be in the best interests of the child and can make contact and residence orders. In this case, a Children and Family reporter (from CAFCASS) will become involved.

An application for dissolution or separation will require details of all dependants, care and financial arrangements.

At the end of a civil partnership, as with a divorce, financial matters will have to be resolved and this may include the transfer of property, lump sum orders, periodical payments, pension sharing orders, child maintenance etc.