Annulment of Civil Partnership - Fixed fees for Nullity Petition

An annulment is a legal process that declares a civil partnership null and void, treating it as if it never legally existed. Unlike the dissolution of a civil partnership, an annulment can be applied for at any time after the ceremony, even within the first year.

You can apply for annulment of a civil partnership if your civil partnership is void or voidable. Annulment (sometimes known as ‘nullity’) is a different way of ending a civil partnership. Annulment of marriage or civil partnership is a decree (court order) by the family court that a civil partnership was not legally valid or had become legally invalid. Under English law, an annulment of a civil partnership may be granted by the family court if you can show that the civil partnership:

• was never legally valid (‘void’)
• was legally valid, but meets one of the reasons that make it ‘voidable’

• Page Contents 
• Ask a Question Online
• The Annulment Process
• When and How to Apply?
• Grounds for Annulment
• Examples of Void/Voidable Marriage
• Statement to Support Nullity Petition
• Financial Settlement After Annulment
• Child Arrangements After Annulment
• How We Can Help
• Our Team of Annulment Solicitors
• Book An Appointment
• Our Fixed Fees
• Get a Quote
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Free Advice for Annulment of Civil Partnership

At Premium Solicitors, we understand that the annulment of a civil partnership and other family law matters can be emotionally challenging and stressful. To help you better understand your legal position before booking a detailed consultation, our experienced team offers a free 5-minute advice service for the annulment of a civil partnership.

This free initial advice session gives you the opportunity to briefly discuss your circumstances with one of our experienced divorce and family law solicitors and receive general guidance about the legal options and next steps available to you.

To benefit from our 5-minute free annulment of civil partnership advice service, complete the enquiry form below or call us on 020 3930 3900 today.

 

The Annulment Process in England & Wales

 Seek Legal Advice – We assess whether you meet the annulment criteria.

 File a Nullity Petition – Your solicitor prepares and submits the court application.

 Court Review – The court considers your petition and the other party’s response.

 Decree of Nullity – If successful, the court issues a decree declaring the civil partnership void.

Time Limits for Annulment

Void relationships – No time limit.

Voidable relationships – Usually, you must apply for annulment within 3 years of the ceremony (with some exceptions).

When and How to Apply?

You can apply for annulment of a civil partnership by filling in a nullity petition. You should send two copies of the petition to your nearest family court and keep one for yourself.

For a family court in England & Wales to have jurisdiction to annul your civil partnership, you or your civil partner must have either:

• lived in England or Wales for at least a year
• had a permanent home in England or Wales for at least 6 months

Unlike the dissolution of a civil partnership, you can apply for annulment in the first year of your civil partnership or any time after. However, if you apply years after the civil partnership, you might be asked to explain the delay.

Grounds for Annulment of Civil Partnership

You will need to show that the marriage or civil partnership:

• was never legally valid (‘void’)
• was legally valid, but meets one of the reasons that make it ‘voidable’

What is a Void Civil Partnership?

You can apply to annul a civil partnership if it was not legally valid in the first place, for example:

• you are closely related to the person you registered a civil partnership with
• one or both of you were under 16
• one of you was already married or in a civil partnership

If civil partnership was never legally valid, the law says that it never existed. However, you may need legal paperwork (a ‘decree of nullity’) to prove this - for example, if you want to get married again or register your civil partnership again.

What is a Voidable Civil Partnership?

You can annul a civil partnership for a number of reasons, such as:

• it was not consummated - you have not had sexual intercourse with the person you registered a civil partnership with since the wedding (does not apply to same-sex couples)
• you did not properly consent to the civil partnership - for example, you were forced into it
• the other person had a sexually transmitted disease (STD) when you registered a civil partnership
• the woman was pregnant with another man's child when you registered a civil partnership
• one civil partner is in the process of transitioning to a different gender

As with the dissolution of a civil partnership, your civil partnership legally exists until you annul it using one of these reasons.

Examples of Void and Voidable Civil Partnerships

Examples of void civil partnerships include:

• One or both parties were under 16 at the time.
• One party was already married or in a civil partnership.
• The couple are closely related.

Examples of a voidable civil partnership include:

• The civil partnership was not consummated (for opposite-sex civil partnerships).
• One party did not consent (due to duress, lack of mental capacity, or intoxication).
• The other party had a sexually transmitted infection at the time of the civil partnership.
• The other party was pregnant with someone else's child at the time of the civil partnership.
• One party was in the process of transitioning to a different gender without full disclosure.

Statement in Support of Nullity Petition

You must also fill in a statement confirming that what you said in your nullity petition is true.

Use one of the forms below, depending on whether your civil partnership is ‘void’ or ‘voidable’:

• statement in support of annulment - void marriage
• statement in support of annulment - voidable marriage

Financial Settlement After an Annulment

Yes. In many cases, the court can still make financial orders following an annulment of a civil partnership. This may include:

• Division of assets;
• Spousal maintenance;
• Property adjustment orders;
• Pension sharing orders.

At Premium Solicitors, our divorce and family law solicitors can provide expert advice on financial settlements following annulment proceedings.

Child Arrangements Following Annulment

If children are involved, annulment proceedings do not affect parental responsibility or the court’s ability to make decisions relating to children. We can assist with:

• Child Arrangements Orders;
• Child maintenance issues;
• Specific Issue Orders;
• Prohibited Steps Orders.

Our solicitors always prioritise the child's welfare and best interests.

How Our Lawyers Can Help

Our specialist team of annulment solicitors understands the sensitivity of annulment matters and that every individual is in a different situation. To make your life easier, you can seek expert legal advice and representation from our specialist annulment solicitors, who are highly trained and experienced in all aspects of annulment laws and court procedures and will guide and support you throughout the court process to annul your civil partnership. We will cut through the legal jargon and ensure you understand exactly what’s happening at all times. Our team of experienced annulment solicitors will provide the legal help and guidance you need, with a step-by-step procedure for obtaining annulment of your civil partnership.

Our team of annulment solicitors will advise and assist in catering to your individual needs. We will discuss the possible grounds on which you can apply for the nullity of your civil partnership after gathering all the relevant factual information from you. Our annulment solicitors will explain the court procedures to you in straightforward, transparent terms, thoroughly guiding you through the process and handling all follow-up work until the family court issues the annulment order.

Our specialist family law solicitors can assist you with:

• Assessing whether your marriage qualifies for annulment.
• Preparing and submitting annulment applications.
• Advising on void and voidable marriages.
• Representing you in family court proceedings.
• Financial settlement negotiations.
• Child-related matters connected to annulment.
• International and overseas marriage issues.

We provide professional legal services with sensitivity, discretion, and practical guidance throughout the process.

Our Team of Specialist Annulment Solicitors in London

Our London annulment solicitors are specialists in annulment proceedings for civil partnerships in England & Wales. Our annulment solicitors have extensive experience successfully handling nullity petitions to annul a civil partnership. At Premium Solicitors, our specialist family law solicitors provide expert advice and representation for clients seeking an annulment of a civil partnership in England and Wales. Whether you are seeking an annulment for religious, personal, or legal reasons, our experienced annulment solicitors can guide you through the process with clarity, discretion, and professionalism.

The high quality of legal services provided by our best team of annulment solicitors is evident in the 5-star Google Reviews rating from 99% of our clients. Our London-based annulment solicitors are available 7 days a week, 365 days a year, offering unwavering dedication and exceptional legal support for a wide range of divorce and family law cases. Our annulment solicitors bring more than 5 decades of collective, specialised expertise to handle nullity petitions.

Meet Our Team of Annulment Solicitors in London

At Premium Solicitors, our strength lies in the expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our annulment solicitors in London. We understand that annulment of a civil partnership is a life-changing event, and our team is here to guide you through every step of the annulment process with professionalism and care. 

Our team comprises a diverse group of annulment solicitors, each bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. We are united by a shared goal: to deliver the highest level of legal support and advocacy tailored to your needs.

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Schedule Your Consultation With Our Annulment Solicitors

Are you seeking expert legal advice and consultation from our highly experienced and qualified team of annulment solicitors and lawyers in London? It's easy to secure an appointment with our dedicated annulment law specialists. Our expert team of annulment solicitors and lawyers can provide detailed advice and consultation, face-to-face in our London office or virtually via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, or Phone. Book your appointment today using the appointment booking link provided below:

• Book An Appointment Online With Our Annulment Solicitors in London

Our annulment solicitors are ready to assist you with your nullity petition. Book your appointment today for personalised guidance and support.

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FAQs - Annulment of Civil Partnership

The following are various Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about annulment of a civil partnership in England and Wales:

What is the annulment of a civil partnership in England and Wales?

Annulment of a civil partnership is a legal process in which the Family Court is asked to declare that the partnership is either void or voidable. This is also known as a nullity application. HMCTS Form D8N is used to apply to annul a marriage or civil partnership where it is alleged to be invalid or defective.

At Premium Solicitors, our specialist family law solicitors can advise you on whether annulment is the correct legal route for your circumstances and assist you with preparing and submitting your nullity application.

What is the difference between a civil partnership annulment and a dissolution?

Civil partnership dissolution is the usual process for legally ending a valid civil partnership after a relationship breakdown. Annulment is different because it challenges the legal validity of the civil partnership itself.

You may apply for dissolution if you have been in the civil partnership for more than one year. GOV.UK confirms that a civil partnership dissolution requires an application to the court. Annulment may be appropriate where the civil partnership was never legally valid or is legally defective.

What is a void civil partnership?

A void civil partnership is treated as though it was never legally valid. Examples may include cases where one party was already married or in a civil partnership, the parties were within a prohibited degree of relationship, or one party was under the legal minimum age at the time of registration.

If a civil partnership is void, it may still be necessary to obtain a formal nullity order from the Family Court to prove your legal status and avoid future legal complications.

What is a voidable civil partnership?

A voidable civil partnership is one that was legally valid when registered but can be annulled because of a legally recognised defect. Examples can include lack of valid consent, duress, mistake, mental incapacity, certain gender recognition issues, or other circumstances recognised under the Civil Partnership Act 2004.

The court will consider the evidence carefully before deciding whether to grant a nullity order.

What are the grounds for annulment of a civil partnership?

The grounds for annulment depend on whether the civil partnership is alleged to be void or voidable. Common examples include:

• one party was already married or in a civil partnership;
• the parties were too closely related;
• one party was under the legal minimum age;
• one party did not validly consent due to duress, mistake, unsoundness of mind or other reasons;
• one party was suffering from a mental disorder of such a kind or extent as to be unfitted for civil partnership;
• the respondent was pregnant by another person at the time of formation;
• issues relating to gender recognition.

Citizens Advice also explains that annulment may apply where a marriage or civil partnership is not legally valid and may be categorised as either void or voidable.

Can I annul a civil partnership if I was forced into it?

Yes, you may be able to apply for annulment if you did not freely and validly consent to the civil partnership. This may include cases involving pressure, threats, coercion, duress, forced civil partnership, mistake or lack of mental capacity.

Our family law solicitors at Premium Solicitors can advise you confidentially and help you prepare evidence in support of your annulment application.

Can I annul a civil partnership if my partner was already married or in another civil partnership?

Yes, if one party was already legally married or in a civil partnership at the time of registration, the later civil partnership may be void. In such cases, the Family Court may be asked to make a nullity order confirming the legal position.

This type of case can involve important evidence, including civil partnership certificates, marriage records, foreign documents and proof of status.

Can I annul a civil partnership within the first year?

Yes, annulment is different from dissolution. Dissolution usually requires the civil partnership to have lasted for more than one year, but annulment focuses on whether the civil partnership was legally valid or defective. GOV.UK confirms the one-year rule for dissolution, while annulment is dealt with as a separate nullity process.

If your civil partnership is less than one year old, our solicitors can advise whether annulment, legal separation or another legal remedy is more suitable.

What form is used to apply for annulment of a civil partnership?

The usual court form is Form D8N – nullity application. GOV.UK states that Form D8N is used to apply to end a marriage or civil partnership because it is not valid, “void”, or because it is otherwise defective, “voidable”.

Premium Solicitors can assist with preparing the Form D8N, drafting the grounds, checking the supporting documents and dealing with the court process.

How much is the court fee for annulment of a civil partnership?

The current family court fee for filing an application for divorce, nullity or civil partnership dissolution is £612. You may be able to apply for help with court fees if you are on a low income or receive certain benefits.

Our solicitors can advise you about the likely legal costs and whether a fixed fee may be available for your annulment matter.

Do I need a solicitor to annul a civil partnership?

You are not legally required to have a solicitor, but annulment applications can be legally technical. You must identify the correct legal ground, prepare the evidence and follow the Family Court procedure correctly.

A solicitor can help you avoid mistakes, especially where the case involves disputed consent, overseas registration, forced civil partnership, mental capacity, gender recognition issues, financial claims or children matters.

Can annulment affect financial claims?

Yes, financial matters can still arise where a civil partnership is annulled. Depending on the circumstances, the court may need to consider financial orders relating to property, savings, pensions, maintenance and other assets.

It is important to obtain legal advice before finalising the annulment, especially if you own a home, have joint assets, have children, or there is a significant difference in income or financial resources.

Can I apply for an annulment if my civil partnership was registered abroad?

Possibly. Overseas civil partnerships and equivalent legal relationships can raise complex recognition issues. The court may need to consider whether the overseas relationship is recognised in England and Wales and whether it is void or voidable under the relevant law.

Premium Solicitors can advise on annulment cases involving overseas civil partnerships, foreign documents and international family law issues.

What evidence is needed for a civil partnership annulment?

The evidence depends on the ground relied upon. Evidence may include:

• civil partnership certificate;
• proof that one party was already married or in a civil partnership;
• documents showing age or identity;
• evidence of duress, threats or coercion;
• medical or capacity-related evidence;
• foreign civil status documents;
• witness statements;
• evidence relating to gender recognition or overseas registration.

Our solicitors can advise you on the exact documents required for your annulment application.

Will I have to attend court for a civil partnership annulment?

Not every annulment case requires a contested court hearing. If the application is straightforward and uncontested, the court may deal with parts of the process on paper. However, if the respondent disputes the annulment or the evidence is complex, a hearing may be required.

Premium Solicitors can represent you throughout the annulment process and deal with contested or sensitive cases professionally.

Can an annulment deal with child arrangements?

Annulment concerns the legal status of the civil partnership. Child arrangements are dealt with separately if there is a dispute about where the children should live, how much time they should spend with each parent, or parental responsibility issues.

GOV.UK explains that when ending a civil partnership, parties may also need to work out arrangements for children, money and property. Premium Solicitors can advise on child arrangements alongside your annulment matter.

Is annulment better than civil partnership dissolution?

An annulment is not automatically better than a dissolution. It depends on the facts. Dissolution may be appropriate where the civil partnership was valid but has broken down. Annulment may be appropriate where the civil partnership was invalid from the start or legally defective.

Our specialist family law solicitors can assess your circumstances and advise whether annulment, dissolution, legal separation or another legal remedy is most suitable.

Why choose Premium Solicitors for a civil partnership annulment?

Premium Solicitors provide clear, confidential and practical legal advice on the annulment of a civil partnership in England and Wales. Our family law solicitors can assist with:

• assessing whether your civil partnership is void or voidable;
• preparing and submitting Form D8N;
• advising on financial claims;
• advising on child arrangements;
• dealing with disputed annulment cases;
• advising on overseas civil partnerships;
• providing fixed fee options where suitable.

We offer appointments by phone, video call and in person at our London and Birmingham offices. We are open 7 days a week and can provide urgent legal advice where required.

How can I speak to a civil partnership annulment solicitor?

You can contact Premium Solicitors to speak with a specialist family law solicitor about the annulment of a civil partnership in England and Wales. We can assess your case, explain your legal options, advise on the court process and provide a clear quote for legal representation.

Call Premium Solicitors on 020 3930 3900 or book an appointment online for confidential family law advice.