There is only one ground for dissolution namely that the civil partnership will have had to irretrievably broken down. In order to prove this a petitioner must establish one of four facts namely;

1.            Unreasonable behaviour;

2.            Separation for two years from the date of the petition which requires the respondent’s consent;

3.            Separation for five years  from the date of the petition (requiring no consent);

4.            Desertion.