0161 434 0600
Family Law Services
Separation Agreements
Clear, practical legal advice when your relationship changes.
Straightforward legal advice and reassurance every step of the way.
When a cohabiting couple decides to separate, it can be unclear what steps to take — particularly around finances, property, and parenting responsibilities. Unlike married couples, there’s no option to apply for a court-approved financial order. But there is a way to protect both parties: a legally drafted Separation Agreement.
At Didsbury Family Law, we help unmarried couples record their agreed arrangements in a structured, written form that reflects their intentions and provides future clarity. Whether you’re ending a long-term relationship, untangling shared finances, or need to agree on parenting arrangements, we offer straightforward legal advice and reassurance every step of the way.
What is a Separation Agreement?
A Separation Agreement is a written contract between two people who have been living together and are now parting ways. It sets out what’s been agreed in relation to property, finances, and — where applicable — children.
Although it isn’t a court order, a properly prepared separation agreement is usually upheld by courts if both parties entered into it freely, with legal advice, and with full financial disclosure.
For example, the agreement might confirm who will stay in the family home, how joint savings will be shared, or how any ongoing financial support will be managed. It can also be used to outline informal arrangements for children — such as weekly contact or school holiday plans — giving both parties peace of mind.
How we can help
We offer practical support to people at any stage of separation. If you’ve already agreed terms with your ex-partner, we can draft a clear and legally structured agreement for you to sign. If you’ve received a proposed agreement from another solicitor, we can review it and advise you on its fairness and legal effect.
Once finalised, we can also store the original signed copy securely for you, at no additional cost.
Our approach is personal, calm, and focused on helping you move forward with clarity — without escalating conflict or stress.
Costs and what to expect
We charge based on our standard hourly rate, and we’ll always provide a clear estimate once we understand your needs.
In every case, you’ll receive advice directly from an experienced solicitor — not a junior or call centre handler.
Fixed-Fee Consultations – We offer an initial family law consultation for a fixed fee of £120 inc VAT
This meeting, which lasts around an hour, gives you the chance to speak confidentially with a solicitor about your situation, options, and next steps. You’re under no pressure to proceed — and sometimes, a single session is all that’s needed to move forward with clarity.
Separation Agreements FAQs
While not automatically enforceable like a court order, a properly prepared separation agreement is often upheld by the courts — especially where both parties have had independent legal advice and shared full financial information.
It’s strongly advised. DIY agreements can be unclear or incomplete, which can lead to problems later on. We’ll ensure your agreement is properly drafted and genuinely reflects what you’ve agreed.
Yes, many cohabiting couples use separation agreements to record practical parenting arrangements. While these aren’t legally binding in the same way as a court order, they can be helpful in avoiding misunderstandings and future disputes. We’ll help you decide if a written agreement is suitable, or whether a formal order would be more appropriate.
Some couples use a separation agreement while they take space or pause their relationship, without ending it formally. These agreements can still record who will live where, how bills are handled, or any other practical matters. We can advise you on what makes sense in your situation.
Ready to speak with someone?
If you’re separating from a partner and want to protect your position with a clear, written agreement, we’re here to help.
Call 0161 434 0600, email info@didsburyfamilylaw.com, or book a consultation to speak to a family solicitor in complete confidence.
We’ll talk through your options and give you practical advice, so you can take the next step with confidence.