A Separation Agreement (or Deed of Separation) is a legally binding contract for married or civil partnered couples who have agreed on the terms of their separation but do not wish to pursue a court-ordered separation or divorce/dissolution immediately. If terms are reached through mediation or mutual discussion, we can help incorporate suitable terms into a binding contract covering issues like property, maintenance, and arrangements for children, providing certainty and clarity.

Judicial separation is a formal court process that results in a court order declaring that a couple is no longer legally obliged to live together. This route is chosen when spouses cannot agree on the terms of their separation. The court issues 'Ancillary Orders' that determine the specific terms, including custody and access arrangements for children, division of the family home and other property, maintenance payments, and the division of pension policies and inheritance rights.

The Nullity of a Civil Partnership is a declaration by the Court that, for specific legal reasons, the civil partnership was invalid from the outset, meaning a valid partnership never legally existed. This differs from dissolution, as nullity states that a valid partnership never existed due to particular defects at the time of the ceremony. Grounds for nullity include a lack of capacity (e.g., being underage or already married/in a partnership), failure to meet formal registration requirements, or absence of full, free, and informed consent from one party. If granted, the parties are legally free to enter into a new marriage or civil partnership.

A Cohabitation Agreement is a voluntary, signed contract between non-married couples who live together but have no plans to marry or register a civil partnership. This type of agreement is strongly recommended for non-married and non-civil partnered clients living together. It is a voluntary contract that provides certainty regarding the financial and property arrangements that will apply if the relationship ends. By agreeing in advance on practical matters like joint debts, household expenses, and property division, couples can make the separation process less traumatic.

A Cohabitation Agreement provides essential protection and legal certainty, and partners may also utilise it to opt out of the statutory Redress Scheme.

The Dissolution of a Civil Partnership is the legal ending of a valid registered partnership, similar to divorce for married couples. To grant the dissolution order, a court must be satisfied that the parties have been living apart for a period amounting to two out of the previous three years before the application is made, and that proper arrangements have been put in place for the civil partners. Once dissolution is granted, the court may issue orders regarding maintenance, property transfer, and pension adjustments. A decree of dissolution legally allows the former partners to enter into a new civil partnership or marriage.

Our firm provides child-focused legal solutions for issues that arise during the breakdown of a family relationship, including those related to Guardianship (parental rights and responsibilities), Custody (where the child lives), Access (contact time with the non-resident parent), and Maintenance. The firm prioritises the child's best interests, guiding clients to establish mutually agreed plans and resolve disputes in a way that minimises emotional trauma for the children. The court’s main focus in all these proceedings is the child’s best interests and welfare.