Separation Agreement Solicitors
Breakthrough Solicitors provides expert advice for couples and individuals seeking a formal separation agreement.
You don’t have to navigate this alone—start with a straightforward, free initial consultation with a family lawyer to understand your rights, responsibilities, and how to secure a clear financial path forward.
Owner of Breakthrough Solicitors
Solicitor & Mediator
Father of Two
Separation Agreements – Clear, Practical Support When You Need It Most
Deciding to separate is never easy. It’s a big life change, and for many couples, having a clear written agreement can make this difficult time more manageable and less stressful.
A separation agreement can be especially helpful if:
- You’re not ready to divorce yet
- You have religious or personal reasons for staying legally married
- You want to try living apart while protecting your finances
- You’ve been married for less than one year and cannot legally apply for divorce yet
If you’ve been married for under 12 months, a separation agreement is the only way to formally record your separation during this period.
What is a separation agreement?
A separation agreement (sometimes called a deed of separation) sets out how you and your partner will manage finances, property, debts, and arrangements for children while living apart—without starting divorce proceedings.
Although separation agreements aren’t automatically legally binding, courts will often take them seriously if:
- Both partners fully disclose their finances
- Each party gets independent legal advice
- The terms are fair and reasonable
Clear financial disclosure also shows that both parties entered the agreement freely and with a full understanding of their situation.
At Breakthrough Solicitors, we draft separation agreements that accurately reflect your wishes and provide long-term clarity and protection.
Why Choose Breakthrough Solicitors?
- Clear structure and protection: We create clear, professionally drafted agreements that set out your rights and responsibilities from the start—helping reduce misunderstandings and future disputes.
- Highly experienced team: With over 20 years of combined experience, our family law solicitors carefully identify all relevant assets, from family homes to pensions and more complex financial arrangements.
- Practical, constructive approach: We focus on negotiation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) wherever possible, helping you reach agreement without unnecessary conflict, court proceedings, or expense.
- Open, responsive, and trusted: Our reputation is built on professionalism, honesty, and accessibility. Clients consistently praise our clear advice and supportive approach during emotionally difficult times.
- Inclusive and respectful: We proudly support all families, including LGBTQ+ clients, and approach every case with sensitivity and respect for different family structures.
- Flexible locations and remote support: We work with clients across England and Wales—remotely or in person at our offices in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, and London.
- Multilingual advice: Clear, jargon-free legal advice available in English, Hindi, Gujarati, and Cantonese.
- Convenient meeting times: We offer flexible appointments:
- Monday–Friday: 8am–8pm
- Saturday: 9am–6pm
- Sunday: 11am–5pm
Speak to a family law solicitor today!
Owner of Breakthrough Solicitors
Solicitor & Mediator
Father of Two
How We Help You Separate with Confidence
Creating a strong separation agreement requires care, detail, and experience. While it isn’t a court order, a properly prepared agreement can carry significant legal weight.
Our structured approach ensures your agreement is clear, fair, and ready to support you—whether you remain separated or decide to divorce later.
Our step-by-step process:
- Initial consultation: A confidential discussion to understand your situation and priorities—whether that’s the family home, finances, or arrangements for children.
- Financial disclosure: We guide you through gathering and exchanging full financial information, including property, savings, pensions, debts, and income.
- Drafting your agreement: We prepare a bespoke deed of separation tailored to your needs. It clearly sets out asset division, bills, maintenance, and other practical arrangements.
- Negotiation and ADR: If there are areas of disagreement, we promote mediation or constructive negotiation to resolve issues privately and amicably.
- Independent legal advice: Both parties should have their own solicitors. We work efficiently with your partner’s lawyer to ensure the agreement is fair and balanced.
- Signing the agreement: Once agreed, the document is signed and witnessed, formally recording your separation.
- Looking ahead: If you later divorce or dissolve a civil partnership, we can help turn your separation agreement into a legally binding consent order—saving you time and costs.
Common Concerns – And How We Protect You
The biggest challenges in separation often come from untangling shared finances and responsibilities. A well-drafted agreement helps avoid uncertainty and conflict.
Key areas we focus on include:
- Full and honest financial disclosure: Ensuring all assets and debts are clearly identified and documented.
- Protecting non-matrimonial assets: We help distinguish assets you owned before the relationship or inherited, and clearly record how they should be treated.
- Clear responsibility for bills and debts: Mortgage payments, rent, utilities, loans, and credit cards—everything is clearly set out.
- Recording the date of separation: This is important for future financial claims and asset valuation.
- Protecting housing rights: We clearly document what happens to the family home, whether one partner stays or moves out.
- Stability for children: We help record child maintenance arrangements and parenting expectations to support routine and reduce conflict.
Your Rights and Options During Separation
Even if you are not divorcing yet, separation affects your legal and financial position. A separation agreement can help you:
- Agree on how assets are handled now
- Protect future income or inherited wealth
- Record maintenance payments and debt responsibility
- Create stability for children
- Resolve matters amicably through ADR
- Lay strong foundations for a future divorce, if needed
We focus on giving you control, clarity, and peace of mind during this transition.
Speak to a family law solicitor today!
Owner of Breakthrough Solicitors
Solicitor & Mediator
Father of Two
Starting Your Separation Agreement with Us
Taking the first step doesn’t have to be daunting. We make the process clear and manageable.
- Get in touch: Contact us by phone, email, or online form to arrange your free initial consultation.
- Share financial information: We help you gather the necessary documents and complete required ID and AML checks.
- Strategy and drafting: We assess your position and draft a tailored separation agreement focused on what matters most to you.
- Negotiation and final agreement: We work with you and your partner (or their solicitor) to finalise and sign the agreement.
Flexible Support That Fits Around You
✓ Remote or Face-to-Face Meetings
We offer meetings remotely via video call, or in person at our offices in Amersham, Beaconsfield, Berkhamsted, Chesham, Chorleywood, Gerrards Cross, Harrow, High Wycombe, Mayfair, Milton Keynes, Rickmansworth or The Chalfonts — whichever suits you best.
✓ Advice In Multiple Languages
Support available in English, Cantonese, Hindi, and Gujarati.
✓ Extended Working Hours
Speak to us 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends.
Speak to a family law solicitor today!
Owner of Breakthrough Solicitors
Solicitor & Mediator
Father of Two
Frequently Asked Questions About Separation
What is a separation agreement?
A written agreement that sets out how you and your partner will live apart and manage finances and children while remaining legally married or partnered.
What is the difference between separation and divorce?
Divorce legally ends a marriage. Separation means living apart while still legally married.
Is a separation agreement legally binding?
It’s not automatically binding, but courts often give it significant weight if it’s fair, recent, and properly prepared.
Can I divorce without a separation agreement?
Yes—but many couples find separation agreements make divorce later simpler and cheaper.
Can I write my own agreement?
You can, but DIY agreements often lack clarity and safeguards. Professionally drafted agreements are far more likely to be respected by the courts.
What happens in the free consultation?
A 30-minute, no-obligation call where you discuss your situation and options with an experienced family solicitor.
What is the fixed-fee meeting?
A one-hour advice session costing £295 (including VAT), where we provide tailored legal advice and a clear strategy going forward.
We’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence
If you’re considering a separation agreement, Breakthrough Solicitors will guide you every step of the way—calmly, clearly, and with your future firmly in mind.