Separation Agreements
Solicitors

A Separation Agreement offers a clear, legally recognised way to set out the terms of your separation, helping both parties move forward with confidence.

At Poole Alcock, our experienced family law solicitors are here to guide you through the process with care, clarity, and professionalism. Whether you’re looking to divide assets fairly, make child arrangements, or agree on financial responsibilities, we will ensure your agreement reflects your needs and is legally sound.

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Home » Divorce & Family » Separation & Divorce » Separation Agreement

What is a Separation Agreement?

A Separation Agreement is a written contract between two people who have decided to live separately, but do not wish to start immediate court proceedings or formal divorce/ dissolution. It sets out mutual agreements about important matters such as:

Who will remain in the family home or pay the mortgage
How assets and belongings will be divided
Child arrangements, including where children will live and contact schedules
Maintenance or financial support for either party
Payment of shared debts or ongoing bills

These agreements provide a sense of structure and clarity during an emotionally difficult time. They can be particularly useful for couples who are taking time to decide whether to reconcile or proceed with divorce.

Why legal advice is crucial

Although a Separation Agreement is not legally binding in the same way as a court order, it can carry significant weight in court if it’s clear, fair, and both parties have received independent legal advice. If one party later breaches the agreement, having a well-drafted document could protect your position and be used as persuasive evidence in future proceedings.

Our family law specialists will ensure every agreement we draft is tailored, comprehensive, and legally robust, protecting your interests and minimising the risk of future disputes.

How Poole Alcock can support you

We understand that no two separations are the same. That’s why we offer a personalised service designed to meet your unique circumstances. When you work with Poole Alcock:

You’ll benefit from expert advice from our dedicated family law team
Your agreement will be drafted with precision and clarity
We’ll advise in relation to ensuring your legal rights are protected
Our team can also assist with negotiation and mediation where needed
Your first initial consultation is free

Frequently Asked Questions on Separation Agreements

If the agreement is well-drafted and you’ve both had legal advice, a court is likely to consider it seriously. You may be able to pursue legal action for breach of contract.

While not automatically legally binding, a Separation Agreement can carry significant weight in court, especially if both parties have received legal advice and the terms are fair.

Yes. A Separation Agreement is a private arrangement between the two parties and does not require court approval to be drafted.

Yes. You can agree on where the children will live, and who they spend time with, and when, and any financial support. However, the court always retains the final say in what is in a child’s best interests.

This depends on the complexity of the issues and how much has already been agreed upon. Our team works efficiently to ensure the process is completed as quickly as possible, often within a few weeks.