Civil Partnership Dissolution: Using Mediation

It is normally the case that civil partnership disputes are best resolved through discussions and mediation rather than involving unnecessary legal 3rd parties. However this does not mean that you shouldnt seek your own independent legal advice on the sideline before beginning any action.

However, very often when a partnership breaks down, it is hard to sort things out without involving the process of mediation, a solicitor or even the Courts. There are many things to think about when considering civil partnership dissolution, including finances, property and living arrangements, and the provision of care and arrangements for any children involved in the civil partnership.

As aforementioned, depending on the circumstances surrounding the partnership breakdown, there can be many strong feelings between you and your partner, and you may find it almost impossible to sit down with them and come to an agreement. In this case, you can use a mediator [or a collaborative lawyer - see below]. This usually takes less time and can be more cost-effective than other methods, particularly going through the Courts. You can think of a mediator as an independent third-party who has a neutral perspective on the situation and wants to help you and your partner reach some sort of agreement. All of the discussions with a mediator are kept confidential.

Some dual qualified mediators/divorce solicitors can also act as mediators for you and your partner. If mediation is not a viable option, you may choose to employ the services of a solicitor, and your partner might do the same. A solicitor will help you choose what is in your best interests, and your partner's will do the same. The solicitors will then negotiate between themselves, each trying to come to an agreement that both you and partner will be happy about. If they come to an agreement, they can take it to court to make it legally binding.

Collaborative law is a great way to deal with family splits - but it does require to specially qualified collaborative lawyers. It supposed form it involves roundtable meetings when you and your solicitor and your partner and their solicitor all meet together to try to come to an agreement. This may take a few meetings and means that you won't have to go to Court if you can come to an agreement.

When all of the above options have been exhausted and no agreements have been made, the Courts may be used to determine an outcome. You can apply to court for a civil one should dissolution if you have been "civil partners" for over a year. Dissolving a civil partnership can be a long, expensive and time-consuming. If one or both of you wants a civil partnership dissolution, there are a number of extra stages which you have to go through to legally end the partnership.