Separation

Sometimes couples separate but don't divorce, perhaps for religious reasons. They may still wish to reach a settlement about financial and children's issues but can't access the court without divorce proceedings. In those circumstances it is possible for the couple to enter into a Separation Deed setting out the terms which have been agreed. If there are later divorce proceedings, the terms of the deed can be transferred to a legally binding court order.

It is also possible for couples who don't want to divorce but do want to obtain a legally binding court order reflecting their financial settlement, to Judicially Separate. This is a procedure akin to divorce, which results in a decree of Judicial Separation from the Court but doesn't actually end the marriage.