Using a separation lawyer in the UK

If you are currently married, have a civil partnership or are co-habiting with your partner and want to separate, the service of a separation lawyer in the UK can be advantageous. The law surrounding separation can be highly complex and should not be interpreted by anyone other than a qualified separation lawyer. Every town and city in the UK will have a separation lawyer you can use. They are often part of larger law firms, or are individual lawyers who specialise in family law matters.

It is vitally important that you use a separation lawyer if you were legally married in the UK to ensure your separation complies with all the current legislation. If you have a civil marriage and want to separate from your spouse, you must follow formal divorce proceedings unless you separate for five years or more, as this will in essence end your marriage. Check with a separation lawyer working in the UK if you are unsure of your legal status.

The law generally treats people in civil partnerships who wish to separate in a similar way to those in civil marriages. The law governing your type of marriage is the Civil Partnership Act 2004. A separation lawyer is essential; you and your partner will have to consider a whole host of things before you can fully separate. Your separation lawyer can often be a great help with these negotiations.

And a separation lawyer in the UK can be invaluable if you are co-habiting with someone that separates from you. Note that there has not been a legal partnership called ‘common law marriage’ since 1753. If you have lived with your partner for several years, you are not common law man and wife, as this definition does not exist under UK law as a legal term. If your partner does separate from you there can be many consequences including financial risks that your separation lawyer can help you with.

If you would like to obtain legal advice about separation laws, Contact Law can put you in touch with a local specialist family law / separation lawyer free of charge. So, if you have any questions or would like our help in finding local family law / separation lawyers please call us on 0800 1777 162 or complete the web-form above.