Some couples want to separate, but not divorce or dissolve their civil partnership straightaway.

There are many reason why separation may be preferable, such as if you have not been married a full year or for religious reasons.

You have three choices when you separate:

Separate physically and take no legal steps:  If you do so, you are not protected against a claim for money made by your husband or wife within a divorce. So if you get a better job, inherit money or buy a new home, these things are not protected financially in the event of a later divorce.

Have a legally binding written agreement about money:  This is called a Deed of Separation which we can prepare for you.  It will protect you from financial claims being made by your spouse within a divorce.

To judicially separate:  This legal process is not commonly relied upon. You remain married and follow a legal process similar to divorce. This is a process that we can guide you through.  However, few people judicially separate as many would then go on to divorce at a later stage, and so incur the cost of two different legal procedures.

There are however some clients who would prefer a judicial separation. For instance for religious reasons the client may not wish to go through a divorce but still wishes the Court to deal with the financial issues arising from the breakdown of their marriage. However, it should be noted that the Court has no power to make a pension share order on a judicial separation.

We can help you by talking through the options available and assist in making the decision that is the best route for you. We can further assist you in taking the appropriate action to achieve the outcome which you desire.

For advice and support, please contact your Family Law Team on 0113 320 5000 or by email on family@winstonsolicitors.co.uk.