There are four key stages in the dissolution process.

These are as follows:

• Complete a dissolution application as either a sole applicant, or as a couple as joint applicants
• Submit the application to a divorce centre either online or by post with the correct court fee – currently £593
• Apply for a conditional order (once the application is acknowledged by your partner and after a 20-week cooling-off period)
• Apply for a final order (6 weeks after you have the conditional order). This order legally ends your civil partnership. 

However, the act of dissolution itself does not put an end to the financial relationship between you and your partner.

To separate your finances, you must reach a financial settlement; a legally binding decision on how assets and wealth will be split now that the marriage has ended.

Arrangements for children will need to be made if required, but these are also dealt with separately from the divorce.