Similar to divorce the process for dissolution of a civil partner is on the basis that there is an irretrievable breakdown of the partnership by relying on one of the four grounds.

You can only apply for a dissolution of civil partnership if you have been in a civil partnership for more than one year.

• Unreasonable behaviour – your civil partner has behaved in such a way that you cannot reasonably be expected to live with them.
• Desertion – your civil partner has deserted you for a continuous period of at least two years immediately preceding the presentation of the dissolution petition.
• Two years separation by consent – you have lived apart for a continuous period of at least two years immediately preceding the presentation of the dissolution petition and your civil partner consents to the dissolution being granted. 
• Five years separation – you have lived apart for a continuous period of at least five years immediately preceding the presentation of the dissolution petition.