Separation agreement solicitors in Leeds & Harrogate

You may be having some problems with your marriage and possibly facing relationship breakdown, but you may not be sure if it is permanent. You may need advice on the options available to you so you can make the right choices for your future.

Since 1987, our award-winning family law solicitors have been advising married couples considering separation before divorce. This includes

Rated as Excellent on Trustpilot, we provide expert guidance on the range of practical solutions that exist, as well as drafting legal separation agreements.

What is a separation agreement?

A separation agreement is a legal document which a couple enters into following separation if they do not want to divorce immediately. Couples remain married but will agree on formal legal terms, which can include division of assets and finances, living arrangements and child arrangements.

Separation agreements are an alternative option if a couple does not want to divorce straight away. Many couples may wish to have an agreement prepared when there are financial decisions which need to be dealt with, for example a house sale and division of proceeds and purchase of other properties.

Ensuring they are prepared by a solicitor acting for each party and witnessed correctly would mean they cannot be challenged. Documents written informally and/or witnessed incorrectly are highly likely to be regarded as invalid.

A separation agreement can only be prepared if both parties are in agreement on the terms of a financial settlement. They can be tailored to your circumstances.

If the other party will not provide a response by confirming their position, or they will not agree to negotiate in a reasonable timescale, you may wish to consider making a divorce application. This may also be the best route if the other party will not provide all their relevant financial information.

Those who attend family mediation sessions initially and then achieve a successful outcome may not wish to make a divorce application. It is therefore advisable to ask a solicitor to prepare a separation agreement to ensure the agreement is valid and enforceable.

Separation agreements should offer reassurance, certainty and peace of mind moving forward. They are very helpful in avoiding delays and difficulties when negotiating on the financial agreement in divorce proceedings.

How our solicitors help you through the separation process

We take time to understand your situation and your needs and offer free initial helpful legal advice and guidance on the practical solutions available to you.

Following relationship breakdown, you may wish to have a separation agreement prepared by us. As mentioned, this outlines agreements relating to money, property and children in a legal document. This will ensure that if you or your spouse decides to proceed with a divorce, the agreements you have already made cannot be easily challenged.

We represent individuals in all aspects of a relationship breakdown and provide you with clear, practical and straightforward advice based on your individual circumstances and needs.

Clear, fixed-fee costs for separation

We communicate clearly without legal jargon and provide clarity from the outset about your legal fees. We offer a range of funding options, such as fixed fees, and payment by instalment, to help you through the legal process of separation.

We let you know what will be involved, how long it will take and what it will cost — we keep you informed throughout.

Accredited, experienced family lawyers

Discussions around separation and divorce can be emotional and challenging. Founded in 1987, we have built our reputation on delivering the best family law advice with a personal, friendly and empathetic touch. Being ‘client first’ is one of our most important company values.

We are proud that over 98% of our clients say they would recommend us and use us again. Word of mouth is our most valued marketing method — we also have a Trustpilot score of 4.7 out of 5.

Additionally, our specialist family law and separation solicitors are all members of Resolution. This is a national organisation of family lawyers committed to practising family law in a way which is family-focused, ensures dignity and reduces relationship tensions.

Rosalind, our Head of Family Law, holds Law Society accreditation, signifying high standards of technical expertise in issues arising from divorce, separation, finances and children. She is also a member of Resolution, an organisation of family lawyers with a commitment to a constructive, non-confrontational approach to resolving disputes.

We work flexibly across Yorkshire and beyond

Our expert separation solicitors are available at a time and place to suit you. This might mean a meeting at one of our four welcoming offices, email communication, phone calls or video calls — or perhaps a mixture of any of these.

We are based near Leeds, but work dynamically and flexibly with clients across the UK and overseas — this includes international divorce. We are there when and where you need us, to make your life a whole lot easier.

With decades of experience advising individuals on separation and divorce, trust our talented team to know precisely how to achieve the very best solution or settlement for your circumstances.