Skip to content Skip to footer
Clarke Willmott LLP
Enquiries Call 0345 209 1000

Whether you’re married, in a civil partnership or living together, separation is an incredibly difficult and emotional decision and separating your assets, debts and responsibilities can be extremely hard to manage without input from an experienced separation solicitor.

Our family law team has the experience to recommend the right approach for your personal situation, and will put your children’s best interests first at all times.

To arrange a consultation with a separation solicitor, call 0800 422 0123 or contact us online.

On this page

Who our separation solicitors can help

Our separation solicitors can help you arrange a legal separation, set up solutions to protect your children’s welfare and organise financial matters.

  • If you’re married or in a civil partnership, we can help you with separation agreements and financial arrangements.
  • If you’re unmarried, we can help you with cohabitation agreements and disputes.
  • If you have children, we can help you with arrangements for children.

How our solicitors can help if you’re married or a civil partner

If you’re married but have decided to separate because you don’t want a divorce or aren’t ready to divorce, you still need to make important decisions about your children, finances, and property.

Separation agreements

A separation agreement can clearly define what happens to your property, finances and children after you split up.

While not legally binding, if you go on to divorce, a separation agreement can carry sway with the Courts and help simplify divorce proceedings, provided you have both taken legal advice, fully disclosed your financial situation and signed it of your own free will.

Arrangements for children when you separate

When you separate, you will both be required to support your children financially and put plans in place for their welfare and contact with both parents. Seeking advice from our expert separation solicitors at the beginning can help to address uncertainty and provide reassurance to everyone involved.

We understand that arrangements for children are usually the most contentious and upsetting area to agree. As your solicitor, we can ensure negotiations are handled sensitively while keeping your children’s best interests front and centre at all times.

Separation and property ownership

If you jointly own property with your partner, you will need to agree whether one of you remains in the property or whether it needs to be sold and the proceeds divided between you.

If a property is in your name, your ex-partner may be able to claim either part of the property’s value or the right to stay. If so, we can help you take urgent steps to protect your property or your rights, such as registering it or ring-fencing the equity in it.

How our separation solicitors can help if you’re cohabiting

When separating from a long-term partner you live with, the law does not protect you in the same way it would if you were married. No matter how long you’ve lived together, you do not have the same rights or claims as if you were married. This can make agreeing the division of finances, property and access to children more complicated.

Seeking legal advice can help you reach a mutually agreeable arrangement and resolve any disputes as they arise.

Cohabitation agreements

In the eyes of the law, when you are unmarried and separate, you will not be entitled to a share of any of your partner’s assets. The only way to ensure you will be is to have a formal document or agreement in place stating otherwise.

A cohabitation agreement gives you both the opportunity to decide how any property, assets or responsibilities would be split if you separated, reducing the chance of confusion or disagreements if your relationship breaks down in the future.

Separating when you’re unmarried and have children together

If you’re unmarried and have children, parental responsibility and ultimate power to make decisions about the children will automatically rest with the mother, unless the father is named on the child’s birth certificate.

Our expert separation solicitors and family mediators can help you agree how you will co-parent and resolve any disputes to reassure you and your children about the future.

Dividing assets when you’re unmarried

As a cohabiting couple without any legal rights to property, pensions and spousal maintenance, dividing your assets when you separate has the potential to become complicated and contentious.

Our solicitors understand the difficulties you may have to overcome when your relationship breaks down after living together for many years, particularly if you don’t have a cohabitation agreement. We can advise you on the best way to divide your assets fairly and can also call on the expertise of our specialist colleagues to advise on any specific property, tax and litigation issues.

Why choose our separation solicitors

  • Recognised for our expertise by The Legal 500 and Chambers UK
  • Members of Resolution, the national body of family lawyers committed to handling disputes constructively
  • Collaborative, pragmatic and empathetic approach, with trained family mediators on our team, and a range of out of court options to consider to suit your situation
  • Transparent fees and tight control of costs at all times
  • Trusted national law firm with specialist solicitors able to advise you on any legal issue that arises from your separation

Try our relationship breakdown tool

Our Parting Ways tool is a great first step in guiding you through the legalities of a relationship breakdown. If your marriage, civil partnership or co-habiting relationship has broken down irreparably, our free easy-to-use tool will give you an overview of what you need to consider from a legal perspective.

It only takes a few minutes to complete, and you will not be asked for any personal information unless you decide you would like to speak with one of our solicitors.

Get your guide

Recognition for our family law team

“They have been excellent in navigating cross-border issues and they go above and beyond for clients.” Chambers 2026
“A professional, hardworking and cohesive team who provide sensible, balanced and clear advice to their clients.” Legal 500 2026
“All the lawyers were very professional and excellent at managing outcome expectations while clearly working hard to outdo those expectations.” Chambers 2026
“One of the best firms in the region with a reputation for delivering a high-quality service. Real strength in depth and one of the go to firms for HNW individuals. Always well prepared and always willing to go above and beyond for their clients.” Legal 500 2026

Frequently asked questions about separation

A separation solicitor advises on the legal and practical issues that arise when a relationship comes to an end, including finances, property and arrangements for children. Our separation solicitors provide clear, pragmatic advice to help you navigate this difficult period with confidence and a focus on achieving workable outcomes.

Yes, separation often involves important decisions about money, property and children, even if divorce is not imminent. By seeking advice at an early stage, our solicitors can help you understand your options, protect your position and avoid unnecessary disputes later on.

A separation agreement sets out how finances, property and responsibilities will be managed following separation. While not automatically legally binding, it can carry significant weight if properly prepared. Our solicitors advise on whether a separation agreement is suitable for your circumstances and ensure it is structured as robustly as possible.

Financial arrangements on separation depend on factors such as your marital status, who owns what and your individual contributions. These issues can be complex, particularly where property or significant assets are involved. Our solicitors take a considered approach to help you reach fair and practical financial outcomes.

When parents separate, arrangements need to be made for children’s care, living arrangements and financial support. The law prioritises children’s welfare at all times. Our solicitors can support you in reaching child-focused arrangements that promote stability and reduce conflict.

Yes, the legal framework for separating cohabiting couples is very different from that for married couples or civil partners. This can make outcomes less predictable. Our solicitors can help you understand your rights and navigate these complexities with clarity and pragmatism.

In many cases, yes. Separation does not have to involve formal court proceedings. Where possible, our solicitors focus on constructive, out-of-court solutions that minimise stress, protect privacy and support longer-term cooperation between separating partners.

Speak to a specialist separation solicitor

For legal advice on separating from your partner, call 0800 422 0123 or contact us online to arrange a confidential consultation. We have specialist separation solicitors in Bristol, Birmingham, London, Manchester, Cardiff, Southampton and Taunton.

Your key contacts

Email Rayner Grice
Rayner Grice photo

Rayner Grice

Partner

Birmingham
Rayner advises on the issues that arise for an individual following the breakdown of a relationship in relation to divorce/civil partnership dissolution, their financial affairs and their children along with having specialist expertise in cases involving domestic abuse with a particular focus on those involving controlling and coercive behaviour.
View profile for Rayner Grice >
Email Clare Webb
Clare Webb - Family Solicitor - Bristol

Clare Webb

Partner

Bristol
Clare has built her practice with a commitment to helping her clients resolve their issues in a constructive and conciliatory way. In doing so, she will always have regard to the long-term hopes and aspirations for the family, whilst of course protecting her client’s interest.
View profile for Clare Webb >
Email Adam Maguire
Adam Maguire - Divorce & Family Lawyer - Birmingham

Adam Maguire

Partner

Birmingham
Adam advises clients regarding all aspects of private family law including cohabitation, separation, divorce and related financial issues, disputes concerning children and nuptial agreements.
View profile for Adam Maguire >
Email Philippa Yeo
Philippa Yeo - Family Solicitor - Bristol

Philippa Yeo

Partner

Bristol
Philippa is committed to helping couples navigate all aspects of the legal process on the breakdown of their relationship in a pragmatic, collaborative and family-focused way including supporting couples to reach arrangements for their children and achieve healthy future co-parenting relationships.
View profile for Philippa Yeo >

Latest family law news and insights

Send an enquiry

Family Enquiry form – TC
What is the nature of your enquiry?
How do you intend to pay legal costs?

To read about how and why we use your personal information, please visit our privacy page.

Looking for legal advice?

Ask us

Request a consultation

Call us

0345 209 1000

Email us

Connect with us

Twitter LinkedIn