This is the most frequently used category, as it can cover various issues. It means that your partner has acted in such a way that you cannot reasonably be expected to live with them. Although civil partnership dissolutions do not provide for adultery, you can state that your partner has been unfaithful under the grounds of unreasonable behaviour.

This applies if you and your partner have lived apart for two years prior to the dissolution application, and the other party agrees to end the partnership. Your partner must give written consent.

Even if you have been living in the same house, as long as you are not living as a couple – e.g. sleeping and eating separately – separation can still be cited.

You can apply for a civil partnership dissolution if you’ve been separated for at least five years, even if your partner does not give consent.

This is different to separation, in that desertion means that your partner has left you and your civil partnership for at least two years before you apply for dissolution. You can still cite desertion if you have lived together for up to six months during this period, but that will not count towards the two year period.