Legal Separation – Is It the Right Option for You?

Conflicts and disagreements are common in every marriage.

Two individuals with different personalities and backgrounds; each having a habit (or habits) that the other may not like. Both partners harbouring some expectations. The fuelling frustration of theirs with routine life challenges…

Everything is there to make up for a perfect setting where you and your spouse are bound to have conflicts and disagreements – some petty, some major ones.

Some as serious where the two of you may feel dissolution of marriage is the only option out there to foster long-term happiness for everyone involved.

But wait.

Step back, give your relationship some room, allow the two of you to spend some time with yourself – and then rethink the decision.

We are talking about getting a legal separation.

Yes, you can choose to informally separate as well, but an informal separation doesn’t have a legal status in the UK. Furthermore, by pursuing legal separation, you can also enter into a binding agreement with your partner regarding matters such as financial responsibilities and child custody, until a permanent decision is not reached upon.

This can give you the peace of mind without worrying about what you’ll do, how you’ll survive, who the child would stay with, while you and your partner continue to live separately.

As for the wisdom behind seeking out a legal separation, it gives you the time to think. Living separately might allow you and your partner to review your situation more holistically, that otherwise may seem impossible when living together. It might help you to look at the situation from a different perspective.

And as such, if there is anything left salvageable in your relationship, the two of you can make the most of it and give your strained relationship another chance.

If you still feel it won’t work between the two of you, then you can proceed with filing for a divorce at a UK family law court.

A legal separation might also be the most appropriate option in circumstances where:

• You can’t divorce your partner because of religious reasons
• There are certain marriage law constraints that do not allow you to file for a divorce immediately

Seeking a legal separation in these cases might be the best solution for you.

Consult a family law solicitor for more comprehensive and tailored guidance in your case.

A BONUS read: How to find a credible family law solicitor for your needs.