Not everyone who makes an appointment with a family solicitor is looking for a divorce. Our expert family lawyers can also advise you on other separation options.
Our separation solicitors offer specialised separation counselling to help you navigate this challenging time. Whether you need separation advice on legal matters or emotional support, we are here to assist you. Our separation counselling services are designed to provide you with the guidance you need to make informed decisions.
In addition to counselling, our separation solicitors can advise on legal options such as separation agreements, financial settlements, and child custody arrangements. We provide comprehensive separation advice tailored to your unique situation, ensuring that you are fully supported throughout the process.
Contact us today to learn more about how our separation counselling and expert separation solicitors can help you find the best path forward.
Should you consider counselling?
We can refer you to marriage guidance counselling services or, if you prefer, an individual counsellor. They’ll talk to you about any chance of reconciliation. If there isn’t any, they’ll be able offer you support during the separation process.
Should I get a separation agreement?
If you need it, we can help you draft an informal agreement called a separation agreement. These are contracts that set out arrangements for your finances (and children) without involving the court.
Separation agreements are a good idea if you both think there’s a chance of a reconciliation. They allow you to concentrate on rebuilding your relationship without the stress caused by financial disputes.
If you later choose to divorce, you can ask the court to create a court order and approve the separation agreement as a final arrangement. However, it’s not guaranteed that they’ll approve it, because circumstances may have changed in the intervening period.
What is judicial separation?
Some couples opt for a judicial separation. This does not legally end your marriage, but it does allow you to resolve your finances with a final court order and preserves your right to a widow or widower’s pension on the death of your spouse. Because you’re still legally married, however, neither of you can re-marry.
You can divorce later if you want, but the ongoing financial arrangements may need to be reviewed or the court may simply approve them as a final order.
Speak to our family law solicitors to explore your options
Our highly experienced solicitors can advise on the best course of action following your decision to separate. If you would like to discuss the options available to you, please contact our family law lawyers by completing the form below.
Key Contacts
Simon Magner Mawdsley
Partner | Head of Family Law
Described by clients as "an excellent listener, open and engaging", "exceptional", "reassuring" and "insightful", Simon acts for a range of clients in all aspects of relationship breakdowns including divorce, resolution of financial matters, civil partnerships, cohabitation disputes, pre- and post-marital agreements, injunctions, and children matters.
