Ending a Same-Sex Marriage
The process of ending a same-sex marriage is much the same as ending an opposite-sex marriage. However, specific matters relating to a same-sex relationship may require expert legal advice in the event of a divorce. This is where our solicitors can step in to lend their support.
Fill in the contact form and we will get back to you shortly.
Get on contact and we will arrange a no-obligation callback at a time to suit you.
1
2
3
I consent to Tinsdills contacting me via:
Same-Sex Marriage Expertise
We recognise that divorce is one of the most challenging experiences anyone can face during their lifetime. That is why our same-sex divorce solicitors carefully tailor their approach to your situation, combining empathetic personal support with practical, solid advice to help you understand the steps that need to be taken.
Our team has specialist expertise in handling LGBTQIA+ divorces. We use various alternative dispute resolution methods to encourage amicable resolutions to points of contention without needing court proceedings. All of our team members are members of Resolution, a network of family law professionals who are committed to promoting constructive approaches to family issues. We also have a specialist accredited member of Resolution on our team.
If court proceedings are the only way to finalise arrangements for your finances or children, our team can also provide robust representation and close personal support.
Our additional expertise can be viewed on our main Family Law page.
Please note we do not deal with Legal Aid enquiries for any Family Law work.
To arrange an initial appointment with one of our same-sex divorce solicitors in Hanley, Leek, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, or Sandbach, please call 01782 652300 or use the enquiry form.
Our Same-Sex Divorce Expertise
Making a Same-Sex Divorce Application
While the divorce process in England and Wales has been simplified since the introduction of ‘no-fault divorce’, there are still a few steps before anything is made official.
This includes making a divorce application (either solely or joint), applying for a Conditional Order, and applying for a Final Order.
Our same-sex divorce solicitors can guide you through the process of getting a divorce, whether you are acting as a sole applicant, joint applicant, or respondent to an application. With our support, you will have a clear outline of where your divorce currently stands and the relevant timescales you should be aware of.
Arrangements for Children
If you and your partner have children together, making suitable arrangements to support their welfare will undoubtedly be one of your top priorities during a divorce.
Our specialist, same-sex divorce solicitors, can help you and your former partner to negotiate arrangements for your children, including where they will live, who will have responsibility for their general welfare and more.
We will seek to make these agreements voluntarily. However, if this proves unsuccessful, we can work with you to apply for a child arrangement order or specific issue order to establish your children’s living arrangements post-divorce.
Arrangements for Finances
The process of dividing your assets during a same-sex divorce can be particularly challenging, especially where there may be a disparity between your respective financial positions.
Regardless, our same-sex divorce solicitors can assist you with making suitable arrangements for your finances and taking the necessary steps to find a middle ground in both parties’ best interests.
We can use our expertise with alternative dispute resolution to help you reach a voluntary agreement on your finances or, where this is not possible, can help you apply for a Financial Order from the courts.
Same-Sex Divorce FAQs
What is the process for applying for a Same-sex Divorce?
The divorce process in the UK was amended under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act, which came into effect in England and Wales in 2022.
One or both spouses in a same-sex couple are now required to start proceedings by completing a divorce application, which includes a ‘statement of irretrievable breakdown’. If one person files a sole application, the other (the respondent) must confirm receipt of the application and send back an ‘acknowledgement of service’ form within 14 days.
After a minimum of 20 weeks, the applicant(s) can then apply for a Conditional Order to be issued. Once issued, a further 6-week waiting period begins, after which the applicant(s) can apply for a Final Order. Once issued, the divorce is official. It is important to note that financial matters must also be dealt with separately from your divorce (link to finances page?).
Are There Any Differences to Opposite Sex Divorces?
There are no fundamental differences between same-sex and opposite-sex divorces. Under previous laws, the only real difference concerned the reasons used to prove the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship, as adultery could not be used in same-sex marriages. This is because adultery has a specific legal definition pertaining to heterosexual sex.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Same-Sex Divorce?
If correctly followed, the divorce process for same-sex couples takes a minimum of 26 weeks to complete once the Court has issued the application. There is a 20-week wait for the Conditional Order and a 6-week wait for the Final Order.
Of course, the time it takes to get a divorce can be longer than this, where arrangements for children and finances must be made (though these can be sorted while the divorce is underway).
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Same-Sex Divorce?
There is a £593 Court Fee to make a divorce application.
We can discuss the legal fees our solicitors will charge during an initial consultation, which costs £125 + VAT.
Why Tinsdills is the legal team for you
Ranked top 10 out of more than 11,500 solicitor firms in the UK.
Would recommend to friends and family
Satisfied with outcome of matter
Get in Touch With our Same Sex Divorce Solicitors Today
If you would like to discuss your options for ending a same-sex marriage further, please get in touch with a member of our expert team today.
With a dedicated team on hand to guide you through every step of the divorce process, you can be certain that we will give you the best chance of achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Please note we do not deal with Legal Aid enquiries for any Family Law work.
To arrange an appointment with one of our same-sex marriage solicitors Hanley, Leek, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, or Sandbach, please call