Civil Partnership Dissolution

The Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 provides that civil partners have broadly the same rights as married couples in areas such as maintenance, the family home, succession, pensions etc.

To dissolve a civil partnership in Ireland:

1. The couple must have lived apart for at least two years during the previous three years.
2. Proper arrangements must have been made or will be made for the civil partners.

The courts can make orders in relation to the following:

• Maintenance for the dependent spouse
• Transfer/sale of any property owned by the couple
• Life policies and pensions
• Succession rights

The grant of these orders is not automatic and the Court will take a number of factors into account when deciding whether or not to make an order.

These factors include:

• The financial circumstances, needs and obligations of each cohabitant
• The rights of others (including the rights of spouses, former spouses, civil partners, former civil partners and dependent children of either partner)
• The duration and nature of the relationship; and the contribution made by each, financial and otherwise.

Berwick Solicitors have an extensive and experienced family law team to advise you in all areas of family law. We advise you of the potential implications of seeking a divorce in providing objective and sensitive legal advice tailored to your individual circumstance.