A separation agreement is a formal document signed by both parties, detailing how matters will be handled after the relationship ends. It can cover property, savings, debts, pensions and child arrangements.

While not automatically legally binding in the UK, courts will usually uphold an agreement if:

• Both parties entered into it freely
• There was full financial disclosure
• Both parties had independent legal advice
• The terms are fair and reasonable

A separation agreement can be used by both married and unmarried couples who want to record their decisions without immediately starting divorce or dissolution proceedings.

Every couple’s circumstances are different but a well-drafted agreement can include:

• Division of property and assets – detailing who will keep or sell the home and how proceeds will be split.
• Savings, investments and debts – outlining how bank accounts, shares and liabilities will be managed.
• Pensions – recording how pension entitlements will be treated, often alongside independent financial advice.
• Spousal or partner maintenance – setting the amount and duration of payments, if applicable.
• Child arrangements – confirming where children will live, contact schedules and decision-making responsibilities.
• Household bills and expenses – deciding who pays ongoing costs during the separation period.