Separation Solicitors

Separating from a partner can be a challenging time. If you’re not ready for divorce, a separation agreement can provide clarity and structure.

A separation agreement outlines arrangements for property, finances, and children. This can help reduce conflict and create a more stable environment for your family.

Our separation solicitors can guide you through this process, whether you’re considering a long-term separation or divorce. We’ll work to achieve an agreement that meets your needs and protects your interests.

0333 060 3419

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Our Separation Solicitors' Specialisms

How can our separation solicitors help you? Learn more about our core areas of expertise here:

Separation Agreements
Separation Agreements
If you wish to separate from your partner but are not ready to divorce, a separation agreement can be a good way to set out arrangements for you and your family going forward.
Our separation solicitors can help you create a tailored agreement that suits your specific circumstances. We’ll work to protect your interests while ensuring fair arrangements for everyone involved, especially your children.
A separation agreement can cover:
- Division of assets (property, businesses, savings)
- Shared debt responsibilities
- Maintenance payments (if applicable)
- Child arrangements (living arrangements, contact, financial support)
Working with an expert separation lawyer will help you reach an amicable agreement that works for you, prioritising the interests of any children while ensuring a fair agreement for everyone.
Separation
Unmarried Couples
Unmarried Couples
Unmarried couples have significantly different rights to married couples when it comes to separation. There are no automatic rights to assets. In most cases, each party will take away only what they put into assets such as property or savings.
However, if you have children or have contributed significantly to joint assets, the situation can be more complex. An experienced separation lawyer can help protect your rights.
We can assist with:
- Understanding your legal position
- Protecting your financial interests
- Arranging childcare arrangements
Our solicitors are here to help you move forward after a separation as an unmarried couple. Please get in touch, or click here for more information on our services for cohabiting couples.
Divorce and Dissolution
Divorce and Dissolution
Deciding to end a marriage or civil partnership is a significant step. Our experienced solicitors can guide you through the legal process, providing support and expertise every step of the way.
Whether you’re considering divorce or dissolution, we’re here to help. Please click below to find out more about it:
Divorce

Separation Agreements

If you wish to separate from your partner but are not ready to divorce, a separation agreement can be a good way to set out arrangements for you and your family going forward.

Our separation solicitors can help you create a tailored agreement that suits your specific circumstances. We’ll work to protect your interests while ensuring fair arrangements for everyone involved, especially your children.

A separation agreement can cover:

Division of assets (property, businesses, savings)
Shared debt responsibilities
Maintenance payments (if applicable)
Child arrangements (living arrangements, contact, financial support)

Working with an expert separation lawyer will help you reach an amicable agreement that works for you, prioritising the interests of any children while ensuring a fair agreement for everyone.

Separation

Unmarried Couples

Unmarried couples have significantly different rights to married couples when it comes to separation. There are no automatic rights to assets. In most cases, each party will take away only what they put into assets such as property or savings.

However, if you have children or have contributed significantly to joint assets, the situation can be more complex. An experienced separation lawyer can help protect your rights.

We can assist with:

Understanding your legal position
Protecting your financial interests
Arranging childcare arrangements

Our solicitors are here to help you move forward after a separation as an unmarried couple. Please get in touch, or click here for more information on our services for cohabiting couples.

Divorce and Dissolution

Deciding to end a marriage or civil partnership is a significant step. Our experienced solicitors can guide you through the legal process, providing support and expertise every step of the way.

Whether you’re considering divorce or dissolution, we’re here to help. Please click below to find out more about it:

Divorce

Our Separation Lawyers' Approach

Going through a separation can be a challenging time. You want to ensure that you’re doing the right thing for you and your family, all whilst dealing with a huge amount of change.

Our solicitors are here to assist you with the expert legal advice you need to enter into a separation prepared for the future. They are highly experienced and here to support you in drafting a separation agreement reflecting your wishes and circumstances.

We listen to each client’s needs and deliver a tailored service, working to your schedule and dealing with your case with compassion and professionalism.

If you’re searching for a separation lawyer who can give you the bespoke advice you and your family need, we are here to help.

Book Initial Family Law Consultation

Our Separation Consultants

Christopher Porter
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Charlie Hansell
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Christopher Sher Singh
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Carol Hill
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Brinderpal Khara
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Aneta Kapron
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Alastair Sinclair
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Charlotte Hawkins
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Separation Agreements FAQs

What is a separation?
A separation is when a married couple decide to separate (i.e. end their relationship and live apart), but not put a legal end to their marriage through divorce.
In some circumstances, it can also refer to when an unmarried couple decide to split up.
What is a separation agreement?
A separation agreement is an agreement between a couple who no longer wish to be together, but aren’t yet ready to divorce.
Separation agreements are designed to set out arrangements for how finances, assets, and child matters will be dealt with going forward. Ultimately, the agreement should detail each party’s responsibilities to help the separation go more smoothly for everyone involved.
Are separation agreements legally binding?
No, separation agreements are not legally binding.
However, if you abide by a separation agreement and then go on to divorce, the court will usually consider the agreement and the arrangements you have been following when deciding upon financial or child arrangements.
Indeed, many couples draw up a separation agreement with the help of a solicitor, with the aim of making it a legally binding consent order when they divorce. Please get in touch and our separation solicitors can assist you with this.
What's the difference between separation and divorce?
A separation does not end the marriage. It allows a couple to live apart whilst remaining married, so they can reconcile if they wish. A separation agreement can outline how matters including finances and children will be dealt with during the separation.
On the other hand, a divorce is the legal ending of the marriage. After divorce, the couple has no more legal ties to each other. Arrangements for finances and children can be decided upon by the couple or through the court, and can be made legally-binding.
Why separate instead of divorce?
There are several reasons why a couple may choose to separate rather than get a divorce or dissolution. For example:
- A separation is not final. It allows the couple some time apart to decide if they really want to divorce, with the option to continue with their marriage if they wish.
- They have not yet been married or in a civil partnership for a year, the minimum amount of time before divorce or dissolution can happen.
- They are not in a financial position to pay for a divorce.
- Their religious beliefs do not align with divorce.
- They want time to sort out financial and children matters before they start the process of a divorce, so that the process is likely less stressful and more amicable if they do decide to divorce.
Ultimately, the decision to separate or divorce is personal to each couple, and there are pros and cons to both options.
Please click here for more information about divorce.

Speak to a Separation Solicitor on 0333 060 3419

We are rated 4.9 out of 5

A 5-Star Rated Service For Separation

Brinder is a great family solicitor. Always very responsive with good advice.

Phillip

Brinder Khara is one of the most responsive family law solicitors I have worked with. Furthermore, her advise is through and on point, despite me being a legal professional she does not use much legal language and explains everything clearly and in layman's terms. Therefore, I would definitely recommend her to deal with any matrimonial issues that you may have as she has done so diligently in my matter.

Kunal Dua

I would absolutely recommend Setfords Solicitors to anyone seeking an expert in family law. Brinder Khara had a friendly, open and honest approach to my issue. I am very grateful for the excellent work you conducted on my behalf. You were thorough, persistent, fair and transparent.

A Mann

What can I say Minara Hannan without your commitment, true dedication and continuous support after 2 1/2 years of family proceedings we would not be where we are today. Minara you listened, guided me and stood by me throughout. Your work ethic and dedication is first class you encouraged me to carry on and fight until the end and what a fight it was. There are not enough words to thank you for not only believing in me, and going above and Beyond to help my little girl. You are a credit to your company not just a solicitor but now a forever friend. Thank you again Hayley and family

Hayley Heeds

I have had a very challenging journey of immigration and child custody , To be very honest I was hopeless , but I cannot even pin it down that how amazing the Umar Rashid was throughout the journey , He has gone out of the way to sort out the things and make me out all of the challenges, Throughout the journey he tried his level best to explain everything in English and whenever it was needed He explained it to me in my mother tongue (Urdu) , He was blessing because of his hardwork and his experienced skills He sorted out my immigration process and child custody , He has been very respectfully to me throughout the whole process , . He is absolutely Amazing and Brilliant. Highly recommended.

MUHAMMAD SHAMRAIZ

Kiran D from start to finish has been AMAZING, her experience, guidance and honesty helped me and family achieve everything we set out and applied for in a timely manner. I had no rights to my child & moving forwards just under a year, my beautiful 16 month son can have a loving relationship with his paternal family.Kiran D was contactable at all times, with no request being too big or small and always with the end goal in sight.I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to Kiran, from me and my family. I are truly grateful to have you by my side throughout. I would highly recommend Kiran to anyone !

kurtis muirhead

I could not recommend Kiran enough. I've had to go through a terrible experience regarding child custody, and Kiran has been an absolute saint for our family.Not once have I felt that Kiran was taking my issues and concerns lightly, but instead has always given her full attention and expertise to all and every detail provided throughout the case.I could not be more grateful. Highly recommend Setford's and especially, Kiran Dhaliwal, for anyone going through a difficult time within their family where legal route is the only route.

Contractor

Very quick turn around of pragmatic and useful advice.

Ms J Drath

Separation

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Separation Solicitors