When your marriage or civil partnership ends, there are a number of options available to you.
A separation agreement is where both spouses or partners agree on how they will live separately. It is an out-of-court agreement which means it is not set out by a judge.
Where both spouses cannot agree and want a judge to make a decision, they can apply for a judicial separation. This is a court order made by a judge setting out the terms by which both spouses will live separately. Neither a separation agreement or a judicial separation allow you to remarry.
A Divorce is a court order made by a judge dissolving a marriage. Each of the spouses can remarry after a divorce order is granted. You do not have to have a separation agreement or a judicial separation before applying for a divorce.
Similarly, you can ask a judge to legally end a civil partnership.
You might want to get legal advice to get a better understanding of the issues involved. Mediation and support services are also available to help you with these issues.
Find out more below.
