What is a separation agreement?

A separation agreement is a formal written contract that sets out what you have agreed after you separate. It is most commonly used by married couples who intend to live apart, whether or not they plan to divorce immediately. It can also be used by unmarried couples who are separating and want to record practical arrangements.

A well-prepared agreement can act as a clear reference point for day-to-day life during separation. It helps reduce misunderstanding, keeps decisions in one place, and gives both of you a framework to follow.

What can a separation agreement cover?

A separation agreement can be tailored to your circumstances. Common areas include:

The family home

This often includes who will live in the property during separation, how mortgage or rent payments will be handled, how bills will be paid, and what should happen longer term (for example, whether the home will be sold at a later date or transferred).

Savings, assets and debts

You can record how you will treat savings, vehicles, household contents and other assets, as well as responsibility for joint debts, loans, credit cards and overdrafts.

Ongoing financial support

Some couples agree short-term support while they stabilise their finances. If maintenance is part of the discussion, the agreement can record the amount, frequency and any review points.

Arrangements for children

If you have children, you can record practical arrangements such as where they live, the routine for time with each parent, and how you will make decisions about school holidays and special occasions. We keep the focus on stability and workable routines, and we will advise if a more formal route may be appropriate.

How we work with you on a separation agreement

We start by understanding what you need to stabilise now and what can wait. Separation can involve a lot of moving parts, and it helps to agree priorities early.

We will then guide you through the information needed to prepare the agreement properly, including full financial disclosure. This typically involves gathering documents and figures for income, outgoings, savings, debts, property and pensions, so decisions are made with the right facts in front of you.

If discussions are constructive, we can support you through solicitor-led negotiation and drafting, helping you sense-check proposals so the terms are workable and fair in practice. Where communication is difficult, we can also talk you through other routes, including supported discussions through mediation, and advise on when firmer steps may be needed.

We draft the agreement in clear terms, including practical points that often cause difficulty later, such as who pays for what, what triggers a review, and what should happen if circumstances change.

Where your separation touches other areas, such as property decisions, business interests, or updating wills and future planning, we bring in the right colleagues so your advice is joined up and consistent.

Pricing and control

Cost uncertainty can add pressure at a difficult time. We will explain your pricing options clearly from the start and keep things transparent as your matter progresses. Fixed fees may be available where appropriate, depending on the scope and complexity of the agreement and how much has already been agreed.

In some cases there may be third-party costs, for example where specialist input is needed (such as pensions) or where property valuations are required. We will discuss this early, so you can see what is optional, what is necessary, and what can be timed sensibly.

Talk to our separation agreement solicitors

If you are separating and want clear, workable arrangements you can rely on, we can help you put a separation agreement in place with steady guidance and clear options.

We support individuals and families across England and Wales, and we focus on practical outcomes and straightforward communication. Our family law team is independently recognised in Chambers and Partners (UK) and The Legal 500 (UK), giving added confidence that you are in safe hands.

You will have a joined-up team that can draw in wider specialists where it helps, for example on property, pensions, business interests, or wills and future planning.

Call us or complete the enquiry form and we will arrange an initial conversation. We will listen, ask a few focused questions, and explain the next best steps so you can move forward with choice, flexibility, control and transparency.

Known throughout the North with offices spanning Lancashire, Merseyside, Cumbria and Staffordshire, including Preston, Clitheroe, Garstang, Kendal, Lancaster, Lytham, Manchester, Southport and Stoke, we offer accessible support that stays close to what matters to you.