Judicial Separation Support
When married couples separate, the presumption is that the parties will proceed with a Divorce. However, this may not be the course that you or your spouse wishes to take, whether this is for financial, family or religious reasons.
You may therefore wish to consider a Judicial Separation. This will mark that you are formally separated from your spouse but you are not divorced.
Judicial Separation is a formal process to mark your separation from your spouse. As it does not result in Divorce, you are not entitled to get remarried.
You are entitled to apply to the Courts for orders relating to finances, however, the options are more limited than those available on Divorce. For example, you cannot obtain an order for pension sharing or an order preventing any further financial claims unless a Divorce is obtained
You can also reach an agreement about your joint finances by way of a separation agreement. This is a deed that is drawn up between you and your spouse, outlining the terms of your separation and any division of assets or ongoing maintenance.
To apply for Judicial Separation, you must complete an application, similar to that for Divorce and Civil Partnership Dissolution in which can be found at www.justice.gov.uk/hmcts/forms
