What is a separation agreement?
If you are a married couple or civil partners and have decided to live separately, you can agree terms on how you will do this.
The document outlining this agreement is signed by both parties and is called a Deed of Separation.
It is a legally binding agreement. The spouses or partners can negotiate the terms of the document themselves, or it can be done in mediation or through solicitors. A Deed of Separation is not a court order and does not allow either partner to remarry.
Things to think about when separating
When deciding or agreeing to separate, you may need to think about reaching an agreement on a number of things. Some of the most common things people reach agreement about include:
- Arrangements for children
- Maintenance
- The family home
- Money, assets and pensions
You might want to get legal advice to better understand what's involved with these issues.