Separation agreements

Couples separate for many reasons, either temporarily or permanently, without choosing to divorce or dissolve their civil partnership. Separation can sometimes offer advantages, such as preserving benefits related to property, taxes, insurance, or child arrangements.

Whatever your reasons, it’s important to protect your interests. A formal separation agreement provides both you and your partner with clarity and reassurance about the future.

A separation agreement outlines arrangements between a couple on various issues, including child custody, finances, and other concerns. 

Although not strictly legally binding in England and Wales, having an agreement in place helps you and your partner understand what will happen if you break up. If you go to court later, the separation agreement will carry significant weight when the court makes its ruling.

Without a formal agreement, your partner could make a financial claim against assets you owned before the marriage or civil partnership, any inheritance you receive, and any wealth earned after the separation.

If divorce proceedings follow the separation, the terms of the agreement can be included in a consent order, which the court must approve. In case of a dispute, the court will consider several factors, including whether both parties received independent legal advice before agreeing to the terms.

Our Family Law team, based in Leeds, York, and Sheffield, serves clients across the UK. With years of experience, we help individuals achieve the best outcome during a separation. Whether you need legal advice, want to proceed with a separation, or need help dividing assets and property, we can assist.

We understand that divorce proceedings can be a difficult time and work hard to reach a satisfactory conclusion as swiftly as possible.