(1)An application for a separation order may be made to the court by either civil partner on the ground that any such fact as is mentioned in section 168(5)(a), (b), (c) or (d) exists.
(2)On an application for a separation order the court must inquire, so far as it reasonably can, into—
(a)the facts alleged by the applicant, and
(b)any facts alleged by the respondent,
but whether the civil partnership has broken down irretrievably is irrelevant.
(3)If the court is satisfied on the evidence of any such fact as is mentioned in section 168(5)(a), (b), (c) or (d) it must, subject to section 186, make a separation order.
(4)Section 169 (supplemental provisions as to facts raising presumption of breakdown) applies for the purposes of an application for a separation order alleging any such fact as it applies in relation to an application for a dissolution order alleging that fact.