A Separation Agreement is a legally binding Contract entered into by the parties to a marriage where they have arrived at terms determining the basis of their separation. These agreements usually take into account matters relating to:

• Maintenance for Spouse and children
• Custody and access arrangements for the children
• The debts and liabilities of the parties
• Division of Assets and the Family Home
• Inheritance rights
• Taxation issues

A Separation Agreement cannot deal with matters in relation to pensions as the Trustees of Pension Schemes are not bound by the terms of a Deed of Separation.

Once parties have entered into a Deed of Separation they can later apply to Court for a divorce but they cannot issue Judicial Separation proceedings.