Separation agreements offer couples a structured and amicable way to formalise their separation without immediately pursuing divorce. Whether you are married or cohabiting, a well-drafted agreement can help clarify key decisions on finances, property, and children, offering stability and certainty at a difficult time.

At Fraser Dawbarns, our experienced separation agreement solicitors in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk provide sensitive, practical guidance to help you reach fair and lasting arrangements. Our team is here to support you through every stage of the process, ensuring your agreement reflects your needs and protects your long-term interests.

We have extensive experience helping couples find constructive solutions during separation. With offices across King’s Lynn, Ely, Wisbech, March and Downham Market, our local family law team is here when you need us most.

Our family law team can help with:

• Legal support for cohabiting and married couples
• Drafting separation agreements
• Child and financial arrangements

Contact our experienced separation agreement solicitors in Cambridgeshire & Norfolk

To speak with a solicitor regarding your separation, please get in touch. You can contact your local office in Kings Lynn, Ely, Wisbech, March or Downham Market.

Alternatively, you can complete the enquiry form at the bottom of the contact page, and a lawyer will be in touch.

Our separation agreement service

Legal support for cohabiting and married couples

Whether you are in a marriage, civil partnership, or cohabiting relationship, we can provide tailored legal support to help you navigate separation. A separation agreement can be particularly valuable for couples who do not wish to divorce immediately, but still want to  divide assets, debts, and childcare responsibilities in a formal way.

We understand that every relationship is different. That’s why our separation agreement solicitors take the time to understand your circumstances and provide legal advice that reflects your specific situation and goals.

Drafting separation agreements

A well-drafted marriage separation agreement or cohabitation separation agreement can prevent conflict later and provide peace of mind for both parties. Our team will help you put together a clear and legally sound document that sets out how you and your partner intend to handle key issues such as:

• Division of property, savings, and investments
• Payment of joint debts and ongoing financial responsibilities
• Living arrangements and use of the family home
• Future plans regarding divorce or dissolution (if applicable).

We ensure all agreements are written in plain English, so you understand exactly what you are agreeing to.

Separation orders

In some cases, you may wish to obtain a formal separation order from the court, particularly if you are in a civil partnership and want to formalise your separation without dissolving the partnership entirely. A separation order sets out the same types of arrangements as a separation agreement but is legally binding and granted by the court.

We can advise you on whether a separation order is appropriate for your circumstances and guide you through the application process, including preparing any supporting documentation and representing you in court if needed. This can offer greater certainty and legal standing, especially in cases where future disputes are a concern.

Child and financial arrangements

A separation agreement can also set out detailed arrangements for children and finances, which can be crucial in promoting stability and reducing stress.

We can help you reach an agreement on:

• Who the children will live with and how often they will see the other parent
• Child maintenance payments
• Schooling and healthcare decisions
• Financial support between separating partners.

These matters can be complex, but with our practical advice and sensitive approach, we will work with you to reach a fair agreement that protects everyone's interests.

Why choose our family law solicitors in Cambridgeshire & Norfolk?

Fraser Dawbarns are recognised for our specialist knowledge in separation law and our commitment to achieving the best outcomes for clients. Our family law team combines specialist legal knowledge with a practical, client-focused approach to help you move forward with confidence.

With decades of combined experience, we understand the emotional and financial challenges that come with separation. Whether your situation is straightforward or more complex, our solicitors provide clear, tailored advice in plain English to help you find constructive solutions.

Our expertise covers all aspects of separation law, including financial settlements and child arrangements. Recognised by The Legal 500, we are known for our high standards of legal support and client care.

With offices in Kings Lynn, Ely, Wisbech, March and Downham Market, we offer accessible legal services across the region. Separation is rarely easy, but with Fraser Dawbarns on your side, you will have a trusted legal partner throughout.

Frequently asked questions about separation agreements

What is a separation agreement?

A separation agreement is a written contract between two people who are separating, which outlines how they will divide their property, finances, and childcare responsibilities. It provides a formal record of the decisions both parties have made and helps avoid future disputes.

Do I need a separation agreement?

You may benefit from a separation agreement if you're separating from your partner but don’t want to divorce or dissolve your civil partnership immediately. It provides clarity on key issues such as property division, financial arrangements, and parenting responsibilities, and can help avoid misunderstandings later on.

What can be included in a separation agreement?

Separation agreements can cover:

• Division of property and belongings
• Ongoing financial support or maintenance
• Payment of debts and liabilities
• Arrangements for children, including where they live and time spent with each parent
• Plans for future divorce or dissolution.

The content will depend on your individual circumstances and priorities.

What is the difference between a separation agreement and divorce?

A separation agreement is not the same as a divorce. It is a voluntary agreement between two people who are separating but remain legally married or in a civil partnership. Divorce, on the other hand, is a legal process that formally ends the marriage or partnership. Many couples use a separation agreement as a first step before deciding whether to divorce.

Is a separation agreement legally binding?

A separation agreement is not automatically legally binding in the same way as a court order, but it can be upheld by a court if it is properly drafted and both parties entered into it freely with independent legal advice. Having your agreement prepared by a solicitor significantly increases its legal weight and enforceability.

Can I get a separation agreement without going to court?

Yes. You do not need to go to court to get a separation agreement. The agreement is a private document negotiated and signed by both parties with the help of their solicitors. However, you may choose to ask the court to turn your agreement into a legally binding consent order later, especially if you proceed to divorce.

What happens if one person breaks the terms of the agreement?

If one party breaches the agreement, the other may be able to take legal action to enforce it. Courts will usually give weight to the terms of a separation agreement if it was fairly negotiated and both parties had legal advice. A solicitor can help you understand your options if the agreement is not being followed.

Contact our experienced separation agreement solicitors in Cambridgeshire & Norfolk

To speak with a solicitor for separation, please get in touch. You can contact your local office in King’s Lynn, Ely, Wisbech, March or Downham Market.

Alternatively, you can complete the enquiry form at the bottom of the contact page, and a lawyer will be in touch.