Calm, clear, and compassionate dissolution advice
Separation is never easy, no matter the circumstances. At Sadler Cross, we offer guidance that’s grounded in compassion, clarity, and years of experience helping you take each step with confidence.
The dissolution application is made either jointly or by one party. The Court fee payable, your original civil partnership certificate (or a certified copy), an English translation of the certificate (if applicable), and contact details for both parties will all be required to submit the application online.
Joint applications: the Court will send the Notice of Proceedings to both parties once the application has been issued. Both parties must acknowledge receipt of this within 14 days of receiving it.
Sole applications: the Court (or your family lawyer) will serve the application and the acknowledgement of service on the respondent within 28 days after the application is issued. The respondent will need to return the acknowledgement of service within 14 days of it being served on them, confirming whether they intend to dispute the proceedings.
A respondent who wishes to dispute the proceedings must file and serve a document called an ‘answer’ within 21 days from the date by which the acknowledgment of service is required to be filed. The answer should set out on what grounds the respondent disputes the application.
A conditional order means that the Court has agreed that you are entitled to a dissolution but has not yet made it final.
The parties must wait 20 weeks between making the dissolution application and applying for the Conditional Order online. A statement of truth is also submitted in support of the application. The Court will consider the application and issue a certificate confirming when the Conditional Order will be made.
At any time after the Conditional Order is made, the Court can make a binding Financial Order regarding your financial arrangements, either by consent or as a result of separate Court proceedings. The Court will not make a binding Financial Order unless you or the respondent ask it to, or your separate financial remedy proceedings have reached a conclusion.
The Final Order formally ends the civil partnership.
An application for the Final Order can be made 43 days (6 weeks and 1 day) after the Conditional Order is made. However, it may not be sensible to apply for this Order as soon as it is available, and we recommend discussing this with your lawyer before proceeding. If your financial arrangements have not yet been settled, the granting of a Final Order may prevent the possibility of certain financial claims.
In cases where a sole application was made and the respondent wishes to apply for the Final Order before the applicant has done so, the respondent can ask the Court for permission to apply after an additional 3 months. The Court will usually grant such an application unless there are particularly pressing reasons not to do so. In certain special circumstances the Court may delay the grant of a Final Order.
Once the Final Order is granted, the Court will send copies of the Order to both parties or their legal representatives.
We understand how difficult it can be to take the first step in any family matter, so we are here to handle any enquiries with sensitivity and understanding, providing a reassuring presence from the outset.
We will schedule a free initial consultation via Teams call for a time that suits you. At this stage, you will be introduced to a member of our outstanding legal team, who will be able to offer initial information regarding your matter and the next steps to formally instruct us. Please be aware that before your initial consultation, you will be asked to provide preliminary information via an intake form, and ID, anti-money laundering, and conflict checks will be completed.
Once you have instructed us to handle your matter, we will provide you with our letter of engagement and terms of business. These documents explain how we will provide our services and explain how costs are incurred.
Following our instruction, we will provide you with an initial information note, setting out the information discussed in your initial consultation, our preliminary advice, and any pressing first steps to be made.
Throughout your matter we will draw on our wealth of experience and expertise to provide comprehensive continued advice and representation. We take a non-confrontational approach to the unique needs and goals of every client, and take non-confrontational, constructive, and practical approach to matters.
We take pride in communicating clearly and effectively with our clients, so that you are always in control of the direction and strategy we take at each step of your matter. We endeavour to ensure that discussions with every party involved remain respectful and productive, whilst robustly representing your best interests.
If you instruct us to do so, we will assist with the implementation of any Final Orders/ agreements. Upon conclusion of your case, your file will be closed in accordance with our File Storage policy.
We are always on hand to provide further support, should it be required.
From the first call to final resolution, we guide you with care and clarity at every stage.
At Sadler Cross, we help individuals and families move forward with confidence during times of emotional and legal uncertainty. Whether you’re facing a separation, navigating sensitive family matters, or simply need honest guidance, we’re here to listen, support and advise without pressure or judgement.
Showing reviews about divorce and dissolution
Read why we have 230+ 5 star reviews! Real words from real people we’ve supported through challenges, change, and everything in between.
International Divorce Advice. Excellent. I have done two other consultations and this was the only video call. Chloe listened well and gave good targeted advice. I know exactly what to do moving forward.
Senior Solicitor
Parmjeet showed a great legal knowledge, very approachable, very profesional, honest with her Team Rebecca. I know if she take my case of my divorce, she will fight my side together with her team. That is the impression I have.
Senior Solicitor
Very informative for a half hour consultation
Senior Solicitor
What is a very complicated process , was broken down in a simplistic and manageable approach by the team ay Sadler Cross, the solicitor was understanding, personal, direct and advised me in every step of the process , delivered a very successful outcome.
Senior Solicitor
Catherine has been brilliant from the moment I approached her. She was always supportive, empathetic and understanding, especially as there were moments when the whole process was very overwhelming for me. She was easy to communicate with and always responded to my questions/emails etc in a timely manner. I was a bit apprehensive at the beginning, having heard some horror stories of 'divorce solicitors' and being concerned about the final cost of everything, but Catherine quickly put me at ease and helped to explain the process at each step. Costs were kept within the first band, which I am relieved about. I am very grateful for her support and help through this very difficult and stressful time in my life and truly appreciate her expertise. Thank you.
Partner, Senior Solicitor
I saw Chloe for a free 30 min consultation re my divorce. She was so kind and reassuring. She is also extremely knowledgeable and was generous in the sharing of that knowledge. Thank you Chloe
Senior Solicitor
Good understanding of my situation and clear explanations on the Divorce process and with I should be doing.
Senior Solicitor
Chloe was approachable and supportive throughout. Our case was easily resolved with her input and when I needed to raise a query she responded quickly and helpfully. Divorce via a solicitor has been more expensive than I had originally anticipated but with her guidance did help us to agree a good outcome in the minimum timeframe available.
Senior Solicitor
Parmjeet was extremely helpful in regards to my divorce and was not at all pushy in terms of signing up with the company. She gave me all the information I needed to start the process.
Senior Solicitor
Excellent Service from Sadler Cross. I engaged the services of Sadler Cross sometimes in 2022 regarding my divorce. Prior to this I have engaged direct access barristers some of whom messed up my case. As soon as I spoke yo Catherine A from Sadler Cross I knew I was on the right path. They are Professional, supportive and the show a great deal of empathy. This firm took my case on, and helped and support me every step of the way right from when they took my case until now as the case is wrapping up. They helped source for really good barristers who helped me win my divorce case. Catherine literally help my hand through my divorce and I never felt alone. She also helped in other areas that touched on tbe divorce but not directly. If you are looking for a firm with human beings who put themselves in your shoes whilst also working to make profit finding a balance this is the firm to go for and you will never go wrong. You will not regret it. Take it from someone who has been in the legal court system since 2019. I highly rate this firm for all your divorce matter and other legal case which they undersea, contact them. If I have any case in future (I hope not) but I would be reaching out to Sadler Cross and in particular Catherine. This firm have really helped me and I would like to thank them a great deal.
Partner, Senior Solicitor
Excellent service! My civil partnership dissolution was very complicated due to my ex partners refusal to engage with the process. Catherine was excellent. I had had numerous solicitors since 2019 but she kept the process on track and finally last week the matter is sorted. The advice she gave me was very good.
Partner, Senior Solicitor
Exceeded even my high expectations for an initial meeting... I spoke with Catherine today about my complicated divorce matter that has become acrimonious. I left the meeting feeling energised and able to deal with whatever that lay ahead. Catherine took great care in making sure I understand my options and the pros and cons related to each. She was very pleasant and easy to talk to and I was made to feel at ease from the outset. Thank you, Catherine.
Partner, Senior Solicitor
Catherine was easy to speak with and showed a level of empathy, which was important to me, as dealing with divorce is stressful and overwhelming and sometimes it is hard to think clearly. She gave clear advice and answered my questions with patience and understanding. Overall very professional, yet friendly and approachable.
Partner, Senior Solicitor
Efficient and professional - Would recommend. Catherine was efficient and compassionate through dealing with my divorce. From the first zoom meeting, i always felt that she showed professionalism and explained the process each step of the way. She was easily contactable by phone or email if needed. Sadler Cross were recommended to me and i would not hesitate to recommend them.
Partner, Senior Solicitor
After receiving a less-than satisfactory service from another local firm of solicitors I decided to switch to Sadler Cross and I am so glad I did - absolutely first class, I just wish I had approached them from the start. Lauren Sadler has been the rock I needed to get my divorce completed, offering advice and support at all times in a thoroughly professional manner.
Senior Partner, Solicitor, and Accredited Family Mediator
High quality service. At an unfortunate time I was very fortunate to work with Lauren at Sadler Cross who helped me enormously. Her professional yet personal approach helped me understand what decisions I needed to make and how to take action. The rest of the team at Sadler Cross also helped my dealings with them seamless, from paying invoices to arranging meetings with Lauren, they all played a part and were extremely helpful.You never wish to have to work with divorce lawyers, but I'm glad I got to work with Lauren, couldn't be more grateful!
Senior Partner, Solicitor, and Accredited Family Mediator
Really appreciate your kindness and time. Lauren, thank you so much for all your help, support and advice to bring my divorce across the line.
Senior Partner, Solicitor, and Accredited Family Mediator
Highly recommended. I recommend Anna and Lauren to anyone who needs a Family Law solicitor. They're friendly and approachable whilst being very professional and knowledgeable. They are very easy to deal with and offered me so much support and advice during my lengthy and difficult divorce. I honestly cant recommend them highly enough.
Senior Partner, Solicitor, and Accredited Family Mediator
We know that taking the first step can feel daunting. Whether you need advice, reassurance, or simply someone to listen we’re ready when you are.
Sadler Cross Family Law is the trading name of Sadler Cross Family Law Limited, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA number 805863). Registered in England and Wales, company number 12764066. Registered office: C/O Streets, Orderly House, Dragoon Road, Colchester CO2 7FU. VAT number 385 1758 62.