If you do not wish to divorce, you may consider legal separation.

There are two types of separation – Judicial Separation which involves the courts, and a Separation Agreement.

What is Judicial Separation?

Judicial Separation is mainly used where there are religious reasons, or financial reasons relating to settlements or trusts, not to divorce. Judicial separation means that you are legally separated, and enables financial orders to be applied for. A court order will stop either of you from breaking the agreement but a clean break is only available on divorce, as are Pension Sharing Orders.

The process is similar to divorce, except that the decree nisi is replaced by a decree of judicial separation.

What is a Separation Agreement?

If you and your partner can agree about financial matters and the children, family solicitors at SA Law can draw up a Separation Agreement. If necessary we can negotiate the terms of the agreement and matters pertaining to child custody and family financial matters. The document will set out what you have agreed. You will not need to go to court.

What next?

For further information about our family services or to discuss a particular matter or situation in more detail, contact Marilyn Bell or Keith Docking at our St Albans office by email at marilyn.bell@salaw.com or keith.docking@salaw.com or telephone 01727 798066.