In 2005 civil partnerships were introduced in the UK. When a civil partnership breaks down irretrievably, you must get permission from the court to legally dissolve the partnership. The court can grant you either a separation order or a dissolution order.

If the partnership has lasted twelve months or less, a separation order is used. A dissolution order is only available after the first twelve months of the civil partnership. Once you have been granted a separation order, you cannot legally enter into another civil partnership until you get a dissolution order. The grounds for applying for a dissolution order are the same as those for a same sex divorce, with the same exception regarding the use of adultery as one of the facts.

When ending a same sex marriage or civil partnership, mediation remains a good way of working out decisions regarding finances and child arrangements. As with same sex divorces, these may involve lump sum payments, transfer of property and ongoing maintenance, along with decisions on where the children may live and how they will spend time with both parents.