If your relationship has broken down, understanding the legal process ahead is essential. Many people ask: what is the difference between a divorce and a dissolution? While these terms are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, they refer to two distinct legal processes in England and Wales. The key difference lies in the type of relationship being ended.
This guide explains the difference between dissolution and divorce, the legal requirements for each, and what you need to know if you’re considering ending your marriage or civil partnership.
What is a Divorce?
A divorce is the legal process that formally ends a marriage. It applies only to couples who are married, whether that marriage took place in a religious ceremony, civil ceremony, or overseas (provided the marriage is recognised in England and Wales).
To obtain a divorce in England and Wales, you must have been married for at least one year. The process begins when one person (or both jointly) applies for a divorce, stating that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. In April 2022 the law changed to remove the need to prove fault or blame. This means you no longer need to cite reasons like adultery or unreasonable behaviour. Instead, you simply confirm the marriage cannot be saved.
The divorce process typically takes at least six months from start to finish, though it can take longer if there are complex financial matters or arrangements for children are being disputed.
What is a Dissolution?
A dissolution is the legal process that ends a civil partnership. It applies exclusively to couples who entered into a civil partnership rather than a marriage. Civil partnerships were introduced in the UK in 2004, initially for same-sex couples, although opposite-sex couples have also been able to form civil partnerships since 2019.
The dissolution of a civil partnership in the UK follows almost identical legal principles to divorce; meaning you must have been in the civil partnership for at least one year before you can apply. Like divorce, you now simply need to state that the relationship has irretrievably broken down, without having to assign any blame.
The dissolution of civil partnership UK process also takes a minimum of six months, and mirrors the exact same court procedures and timelines as divorce.
What is the Difference Between a Divorce and a Dissolution?
So, what is the difference between a divorce and a dissolution? The answer is fairly straightforward: the only real distinction is the type of legal relationship being ended.
In short; Divorce ends a marriage. Dissolution ends a civil partnership.
Beyond that, the legal framework, paperwork, timescales, and the outcomes are all virtually the same. Both processes involve:
- Applying to the court to end the relationship.
- A minimum waiting period of 20 weeks before you can apply for a conditional order (the first formal step towards legally ending the relationship).
- A further six-week wait before the final order, which legally ends the marriage or civil partnership.
- The same rules around financial settlements and arrangements for children.
Whether you’re going through a divorce or dissolution, the court’s approach to dividing assets, spousal maintenance, pensions, and child arrangements remains identical.
Division of Assets in Divorce and Dissolution
One highly contested area common to both divorce and dissolution is how finances are handled. Whether you’re married or in a civil partnership, the court has the same powers to divide assets and make financial orders.
This is particularly important for high net worth individuals. Complex estates involving multiple properties, business interests, offshore accounts, trusts, and significant pensions require careful handling. The court considers factors such as the length of the relationship, contributions made by each party (financial and non-financial), the needs of any dependent children, and the standard of living enjoyed during the relationship.
For those with substantial wealth, early legal advice is crucial. Protecting your interests requires strategic thinking, detailed financial disclosure, and third party expertise for valuation of significant assets, such as businesses. This applies equally whether you’re pursuing a divorce or a dissolution of civil partnership in the UK.
Do You Need Different Legal Representation?
No. Family lawyers in England and Wales handle both divorces and dissolutions using the same expertise and legal knowledge. The court forms are slightly different (one refers to “spouse” and the other to “civil partner”), but the legal advice, negotiation strategies, and representation are the same.
If you’re considering ending your marriage or civil partnership, a solicitor will guide you through the process that applies to your specific situation. What matters most is choosing a lawyer who understands your circumstances, particularly if your case involves high-value assets, international elements, or business interests.
What About Children?
If you’re wondering what is the difference between a divorce and a dissolution, it’s likely that the welfare of your children will be one of your biggest priorities. Effectively, child arrangements are treated exactly the same way in both divorce and dissolution cases. The court’s primary concern is always the welfare of any dependents, regardless of whether their parents were married or in a civil partnership.
You’ll need to demonstrate that appropriate arrangements are in place for where the children will live, how much time they’ll spend with each parent, and how they’ll be financially supported. These considerations form a crucial part of the overall process but don’t affect the timeline of the divorce or dissolution itself.
Making Your Application
The process of applying for either a divorce or dissolution is now completed online in most cases. You’ll need your marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate, and you’ll pay a court fee, which is currently £612 as of December 2025.
Once the application is submitted, your spouse or civil partner must be notified. They have the opportunity to acknowledge the application, though they cannot contest it unless they dispute the legal validity of the marriage or civil partnership itself.
After the initial 20-week reflection period, you can apply for a conditional order. Once granted, you must wait another six weeks before applying for the final order, which brings the legal relationship to an end.
FAQs About Divorce and Dissolution
Is a civil partnership dissolution cheaper than a divorce?
No. The court fees are identical (currently £612). Legal costs also depend on the complexity of your case, not whether it’s a divorce or dissolution. High net worth cases involving substantial assets, businesses, or international elements will require the same level of legal expertise regardless of relationship type.
Do I need to give a reason for dissolution like I do for divorce?
Since April 2022, neither divorce nor dissolution requires you to give specific reasons or prove fault. You simply need to confirm that the marriage or civil partnership has irretrievably broken down. The old system requiring proof of adultery, unreasonable behaviour, or separation no longer applies.
Can same-sex couples get divorced or do they have to get a dissolution?
Same-sex couples can be either married or in a civil partnership, depending on what they chose originally. If you’re married, you’ll need to get a divorce. If you’re in a civil partnership, you get a dissolution instead. Same-sex marriage has been legal in England and Wales since 2014.
Will my assets be divided differently in a dissolution versus a divorce?
No. The court applies exactly the same principles and has identical powers whether you’re divorcing or dissolving a civil partnership. Factors like the length of the relationship, contributions made, needs of children, and standard of living are all considered in the same way for both processes.
Get a Reasonable Divorce Settlement That Protects Your Future
Getting to the bottom of the question, what is the difference between divorce and dissolution is simple: divorce ends a marriage, while dissolution ends a civil partnership. Beyond that distinction, the legal processes, timelines, financial considerations, and outcomes are effectively the same.
Whether you’re facing a divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership, what matters most is protecting your financial interests and securing the best possible outcome for your future. This is especially true if you have significant assets, business interests, or complex family arrangements.
If you’re considering ending your marriage or civil partnership and want to ensure your wealth and interests are properly protected throughout the process, expert legal guidance is essential.
At Lowry Legal, we specialise in high net worth divorce and dissolution cases across England and Wales. Our experienced team understands the complexities of substantial asset division and will work strategically to safeguard your financial future.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
