If you are separating from your spouse or partner, a separation agreement can make the process easier and less confrontational. The agreement can set out how a wide range of issues will be dealt with so that each of you knows what is expected of you and you have some certainty during what is likely to be a difficult period.
At F Barnes, our family law experts can help you decide what you want from a separation and negotiate an agreement on your behalf that achieves this. Our advice to you will be clear and pragmatic and we will ensure that you have the support you need throughout.
We offer an initial free 30-minute consultation so that you can explain your situation to us and we can discuss how we can help you as well as answering your questions and giving you an idea of the costs involved.
Our separation agreement expertise includes:
- Discussing with you what outcome you want for your separation agreement
- Dealing with disclosure of your assets
- Checking the disclosure of assets by your former partner
- Preparing a draft separation agreement
- Negotiating the terms of your separation agreement with the solicitor for your spouse or partner
What our separation agreement lawyers can offer you:
Our team have particular experience in dealing with separation agreements in complex and high value cases, where our expert negotiating skills help achieve the best possible results. We ensure all of our clients are represented from the start by a solicitor with in-depth experience who will gain a clear understanding of your situation and work to achieve the outcome you need.
Our family law department has an exceptional breadth of experience and legal expertise. Our Managing Director and Head of Family, Tiina Juhanson, was one of the first solicitors in the area to gain Family Panel accreditation from the Law Society and is a Resolution Accredited Specialist in Finance. We always work constructively to agree issues without the need for litigation wherever possible.
Contact our separation agreement solicitors in Essex
Contact our friendly and approachable separation agreement lawyers to talk about how we can help you. You can contact us during our office hours of 9am-5pm at your local branch in Romford, Gidea Park or Collier Row by giving us a call on:
- Romford – 01708 745183
- Gidea Park – 01708 333711
- Collier Row – 01708 743727
Alternatively, contact us at any time by filling in our online enquiry form and we will get in touch.
Our separation agreement services
Dealing with property and other assets in a separation agreement
We know that it is not always easy to divide a shared family home when a relationship ends. Our team can advise you of your options and work with you to identify what is important to you and what you want to protect in your separation agreement.
We can suggest ways in which you may be able to retain your family home, if this is something you want, and work to negotiate the best possible deal on your behalf. We will also discuss your other assets and liabilities with you and help you decide what the best division of these would be.
Arrangements for children in a separation agreement
If you have children, we understand that their wellbeing and security for their future will be of paramount importance to you. You can include issues involving your children in the separation agreement, such as where they will live, how much time they will spend with each parent and how much the parent without the main day to day care will pay to the other parent in respect of living expenses.
The agreement can be tailored to suit your requirements and other matters can also be included, such as which school your children will go to, how you will deal with holidays and travel and which other family members they will spend time with.
Frequently asked questions about separation agreements
What is a separation agreement?
Separation agreements, also referred to as marital separation agreements, are contracts made between couples who no longer wish to remain together. It can be used whether or not you are married and also if you are not sure whether you wish to separate for the long-term or divorce.
It can include anything you want, but will usually cover the following key points:
- How property will be split
- How savings and investments will be shared
- Who will be responsible for paying the mortgage or rent
- Who will be responsible for other outgoings
- What will happen to any debt
- Where your children will live
- How much time your children will spend with each parent
- How much financial support will be paid for your children and by whom
- What will happen to pets
What reasons are there to make a separation agreement?
A separation can substantially reduce the amount of tension and conflict in a relationship. By negotiating exactly what is expected of each party and setting it out clearly in a written document, both individuals know where they stand and what is required of them. This can reduce the risk of arguments and misunderstandings.
Marriage separation agreements are also a fairly quick way of making arrangements that can help you navigate the period of time between the breakdown of a relationship and the finalisation of legal matters, such as a divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership.
How do separation agreements work?
In order to make a separation agreement, both parties should fully disclose all of their assets before entering into negotiations. The agreement will be drafted and the terms negotiated, then each party will sign the document.
Where both parties have taken independent legal advice before signing and have disclosed their financial position to each other, then the document will generally be followed by the court, if it is asked to decide on issues in the future, unless your circumstances change substantially.
It is often used prior to a divorce, and the terms agreed upon can be followed in finalising issues on divorce such as splitting property and assets and making arrangements for children.
Our separation agreement solicitors’ fees
We offer a free 30-minute consultation so that we can discuss your needs and advise you of our fees.
We will quote fixed fees where possible so that you know exactly how much your case will cost. We can also provide information about flexible funding where necessary.
Contact our separation agreements solicitors in Essex
Contact our friendly and approachable separation agreements solicitors in Romford to talk about how we can help you. You can contact us during our office hours of 9am-5pm at your local branch in Romford, Gidea Park or Collier Row by giving us a call on:
- Romford – 01708 745183
- Gidea Park – 01708 333711
- Collier Row – 01708 743727
Alternatively, contact us at any time by filling in our online enquiry form and we will get in touch.
For more information in respect of the related services we offer, see our Family Law page.