Dissolve a registered partnership
A legal proceeding to dissolve a registered partnership, similar to divorce proceedings for marriages.
How to proceed
- 1
Observe the one-year separation period
The partners must have been living apart for at least one year.
- 2
File a petition with the family court
Through a lawyer, as legal representation is required.
- 3
Court date and ruling
The court orders the dissolution of the civil partnership.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 9 months
Official: max. approx. 12 months
Online application
In person or by post
Common mistakes
- • Application filed before the end of the separation year
- • Related matters (pension rights equalization, child support) were not included in the application
Common reasons for rejection
- • The one-year separation period was not observed (except in cases of hardship)
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
People who have entered into a registered partnership and wish to dissolve it.
Income limit
The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 9 months
Success rate
approx. 95.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Application filed before the end of the separation year
- •Related matters (pension rights equalization, child support) were not included in the application
Common reasons for rejection
- •The one-year separation period was not observed (except in cases of hardship)
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
Read the decision carefully: often submitting missing documents or reapplying helps more than an objection.