Separation and Financial Matters Specialist separation and financial solicitors

A separation agreement can help you sort out the financial issues involved by setting out in detail who will keep specified items, how money and other assets will be divided and if there needs to be any spousal support and/or child maintenance. It can also include provision for who pays the mortgage/rent and household bills until a financial settlement has been finalised and provide clarity around the childcare arrangements.

If and when divorce proceedings are commenced in the future, the parties can ask the Court to make a financial Order consistent with the terms of the Separation Agreement.

At Heald Solicitors, we can advise you on the contents of a separation agreement and discuss your situation with you to identify what is most important to you. Our family law team are strong negotiators and will work to agree on a document that protects your rights and interests and provides you with the financial certainty you need for the future.

We have in-depth experience of dealing with complex financial issues for our family law clients as well as in reaching agreement in difficult or protracted matters. We will make sure that you have the support and advice you need and that we are available to speak to you to discuss progress and answer any questions you may have.

What is included in a separation agreement?

A separation agreement can include any issues that you wish to have clarity over, including financial issues and arrangements that you are putting in place in respect of any children of the relationship. The following are some of the most common matters for separation agreements:

• Who will live in the family home, whether it will be sold and, if so, when;
• Who will pay the mortgage or rent;
• Who will pay bills;
• How joint assets will be divided;
• What will happen to debts and other liabilities;
• Whether maintenance is payable to the other spouse/civil partner;
• Where the children will live;
• How much time the children will spend with each parent;
• What maintenance will be paid in respect of the children.
  

Is a separation agreement legally binding?

While a settlement agreement is not legally binding, the court will often give substantial weight to it, particularly if it has been well-drafted and both parties have taken independent legal advice before signing and where full disclosure of assets and liabilities has been made and circumstances have not substantially changed.

We can advise you on the contents of a separation agreement, to ensure that your rights and interests are protected and to give the agreement the best chance of being upheld by a judge, should the matter be brought before the court.