Ending a registered partnership can be a significant but necessary step for parties who wish to end their shared life. Unlike divorce, the registered partnership has specific legal and practical characteristics. Depending on the circumstances—particularly whether there are minor children involved and whether both parties agree on the settlement—the dissolution can take place relatively informally, without judicial intervention, or through a judicial procedure. This flexibility and the ability to make clear agreements in advance help to minimize the emotional and financial burden as much as possible.
1. Termination Without Minor Children: Procedure and Flexibility
When you or your partner wish to terminate the registered partnership and there are no minor children involved, it is possible, in principle, to reach a joint solution without the need for judicial intervention. In this case, a termination agreement is usually drawn up by a lawyer or notary. This agreement outlines all relevant arrangements, such as alimony, pension rights, and the distribution of jointly acquired assets. Since both parties must agree on the settlement, this procedure offers a certain degree of flexibility. Drafting the agreement requires a careful analysis of the financial situation and clear communication of expectations so that both parties can end the partnership with mutual trust. The outcome is then registered with the civil registry within approximately three months.
2. Judicial Dissolution in Case of Disagreement or Presence of Minor Children
When there is disagreement about the terms of the dissolution—for example, regarding alimony or the division of assets—or when minor children are involved, a joint dissolution without judicial intervention is generally not possible. In such cases, your lawyer must submit a petition for dissolution to the court. In addition to the standard financial and legal documents, you must also submit a parenting plan that outlines the care and upbringing of the children. The court will then assess the points of dispute and make a binding decision that takes into account the interests of both parties, with particular attention to the welfare of the minor children. This judicial procedure is more formal and may take longer—typically, registration with the civil registry is completed within six months—but it ensures that the agreements are settled in a balanced manner.
3. Application Procedure: Joint or Unilateral Submission
The petition for the dissolution of a registered partnership can be submitted either jointly or unilaterally, depending on mutual agreement. If you choose a joint application, both parties fully coordinate the dissolution and the agreements contained within it. This often leads to a quicker and less contentious process. If one of the partners decides to unilaterally submit the petition, your lawyer will ensure that your partner receives a copy of the petition within 14 days. This procedure ensures that the other party is informed about the intended dissolution and allows room for potential negotiation or the establishment of additional terms. The chosen application method directly impacts the speed and level of cooperation during the rest of the process.
4. Registration with the Civil Registry and Notification to the Municipality
After completing the dissolution procedure, the administrative processing follows. In a termination without judicial intervention, the termination agreement prepared by the lawyer or notary will be submitted to the civil registry within approximately three months, after which the dissolution will be officially registered. When the dissolution occurs through the court, the registration is usually completed within six months. In addition to registration with the civil registry, it is also necessary to notify the municipality where the registered partnership was established. Usually, the lawyer will handle this notification for you, but you can also do it yourself. These administrative steps ensure that all official records are updated and that you can proceed to the next phase of your life with a clear legal status.
