Reviewed August 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
What it is
A separation agreement records agreed arrangements when spouses decide to live separately. It can address the family home, maintenance, children, pensions, debts, tax and succession, but it does not dissolve the marriage.
Both sides need disclosure and advice
Reliable financial disclosure and separate legal advice help each spouse understand the agreement and reduce the risk of later dispute.
It must fit the complete circumstances
The terms should be workable now and anticipate foreseeable changes involving children, housing, income and pensions.
Divorce may come later
A separation agreement can be relevant to a later divorce, but only a court can grant a divorce and the court must still consider proper provision.
Related separation and divorce guides
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