What is the difference between a Separation Agreement and a Financial Order?

To answer this question, it is important to understand the difference between a separation and a divorce.

Divorce is only available for married couples and is the only way to formally end a marriage. Separation is an option for married couples that choose separate without divorcing and is also available to couples that are not married but that decide that they no longer wish to be together. A separation does not end a marriage and therefore does not end the financial claims that each spouse may have regarding the other’s finances.

What is the Role of a Family Mediator?

A family mediator is an impartial third party who helps married & unmarried couples, parents, grandparents, step-parents and young people to discuss their issues openly and make informed decisions on how they are going to resolve and/or manage these issues going forward.

What rights does the mother have over the father?

It is often a stressful and emotional time for parties when a relationship breaks down. This is even more so where there are children involved as there will sometimes be difficulties in agreeing arrangements for the children such as where and with whom the children will live and what contact the absent parent will have with the children.

Who makes the arrangements for the children will depend on who has parental responsibility (PR) for the child. All biological mothers and most fathers have legal rights and responsibilities as a parent.

What to do if your partner leaves you with the children

When a relationship breaks down, and there are children involved, it is not uncommon for one party to be left with the children and unsure what to do next. Some parents may feel anxious that the other parent will reappear unannounced and “reclaim” the children, particularly if it is the Father who has been left to look after them. This fact sheet sets out some of the concerns a newly single parent may have, and what options are available.

What to do if your split is amicable but you don’t want to go to Court

When marriages break down, couples are increasingly attempting to resolve their financial claims between themselves, rather than instruct solicitors. Some couples do so for a quick resolution to their situation or to avoid costs. Others believe that they can see an obvious fair solution to their dispute and an agreement arises easily.

Who decides which parent should have custody of a child?

When parents separate, the first question for most is going to be:  Who is going to look after the child or children or, put differently, how much time is the child going to spend with each parent?  Often the word "custody" is used in this context, but this word has no specific, legal meaning.  If there is a court order defining where a child will live, it is called a "child arrangements order".  However, it is usually not necessary to have a child arrangements order to determine where a child will live or who will have "custody" for a child.