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For many years, same-sex couples were unable to marry and were able to become civil partners only. This changed in 2014 when the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act 2013 came into force and couples are now legally allowed to elope regardless of their spouse’s gender. Couples that wished to express their devotion to one another and cement their legal rights had no other option for nigh on a decade, however, and many people query whether Quickie Divorce can help end civil partnerships as a result. Well, we can! Here’s why.

The process of ending a marriage is, ultimately, identical to the process of ending a civil partnership. The forms that need to be used are the same, the evidence that will need to be provided is the same and – just as a divorce is easier when both parties agree – it’s a much simpler process when both spouses want their partnership dissolved. The courts will also request a copy of the civil partnership document (rather than the marriage certificate) and a £550 filing fee (though you can find out if you can have this reduced here). The only real difference that we tend to make people aware of is that, due to outdated laws, it can be difficult to use adultery as the reason they’re requesting their partnership is legally ended.

English and Welsh law doesn’t recognise same-sex adultery

Yes, that’s right: the laws haven’t been updated in so long that, as far as the courts are concerned, adultery can only take place between two individuals of the opposite sex. For obvious reasons, using this ground is often difficult for same-sex couples.

Under such circumstances, the spouse filing for the divorce can rely on unreasonable behaviour and their partner’s actions can used as an example. What many people find frustrating is that they’ll also need to provide several other examples of unreasonable behaviour. They, quite reasonably, feel that their spouse having been unfaithful should be sufficient. We’d agree but – whilst we know that some judges have accepted petitions citing just one example of unreasonable behaviour – the law is subjective, and the only way to ensure that an application reliant on behaviour succeeds is to cite several examples.

How to prepare examples of unreasonable behaviour

We know all too well that thinking of examples can be difficult, but we’ve found that there are a few examples that most people can truthfully cite. Here are a few articles we’ve put together that outline these:

Five common examples of unreasonable behaviour

Five more examples of unreasonable behaviour

Another five examples of unreasonable behaviour

If you need some extra help

Remember that Quickie Divorce can help you end your civil partnership – and, if you both agree, we can save you thousands of pounds in solicitor’s fees.

Want to find out more? Contact Quickie Divorce today.