Separation agreement

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Document overview

Comprehensive and effective separation agreement suitable for a couple (whether married, in a civil partnership, separated or just living together) who wish to record the agreement that they have reached in relation to their living arrangements, finances, children and joint assets and liabilities.
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  • Length:8 pages (2300 words)
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About this separation agreement

A separation agreement is a legally binding contract created between two spouses, at the time of their separation. This contract sets out each party’s rights on issues such as: child custody/access, property, debts and child/spousal support.

When a relationship ends and partners go their own ways, there can be a great deal of uncertainty as to who will pay previously joint bills, how possessions and assets will be split, and who will look after the children.

For married couples, a separation agreement like this one (sometimes called a deed of separation) provides certainty as to how each person will live while a divorce is being settled.

It is also suitable for:

  • couples who are separating having not married, and for
  • couples looking to end a civil partnership or same sex union.

This separation agreement provides both parties with a degree of protection and certainty in what would otherwise be a very uncertain time.

Why use this separation agreement

There are a number of reasons to use a written deed of separation:

  • Prevent future arguments

A separation agreement is a written record of what you agreed between yourselves. After signing the document, it is more difficult for one person to argue that he or she did not agree to something.

  • Save time and money on lawyers

Lawyers can be good negotiators and can offer good advice on entitlements, but there is nothing in a separation agreement that requires legal knowledge or a lawyer. This document achieves much the same as a lawyer would do for you after a few meetings. Unless you want a lawyer for another reason, you can save time and money by completing this document yourself instead of asking him or her to do it for you at a high hourly cost.

  • It could form the basis of a consent order in divorce

If you can demonstrate that the agreement has worked well for a period of time, a judge could let it form the basis of a consent order in divorce proceedings.

  • Keep the relationship amicable

Court proceedings inevitably become acrimonious. There is a much greater chance of keeping your future relationship friendly (and agreeing a split that suits both parties, keeping joint friends and making access to children easier) if you can work out together the details of the separation before you reach a court. A deed of separation can make divorce process easier, faster and less stressful because many of the difficult things have been agreed already.

The law on separation agreements

Separation agreements are legally binding contracts that resolve all of the legal issues arising out of a couple separating. However, when or if you do have to go to court, it is likely that the judge will make an order (which will be binding of course) in the terms of your agreement provided:

  • the agreement is fair;
  • you both worked on the agreement without pressure and entered into it freely;
  • it covers all your assets after full disclosure.

The extent to which a judge will stay with the agreement reflects the level of his acceptance of the above three points.

If one of you is in breach of the deed of separation and the other goes to court to enforce it, the judge will make an assessment as described above and will enforce the agreement to the extent that he feels is right.

Note: children arrangements have no legal standing at all. The court will take no account of what you have agreed but will start afresh in considering the interest of each child. Of course, if a satisfactory arrangement is in place, it is likely that he will order that the arrangement should remain undisturbed. It is always worth making arrangements for your children because it is bound to be in their interests to have a secure and firm framework for their lives.

Completing your separation agreement

The agreement is straightforward and easy to complete. You don't need to involve lawyers or go to court.

This deed of separation provides for detailed disclosure, but we do not try to anticipate every asset you may have. You must be very thorough in your disclosure.

Next, you should discuss what you want from the separation. You may need to instruct experts (such as an accountant and/or a surveyor) to value financial and physical joint assets.

This template provides for you to set down your exact arrangements for your children. Although not binding on the Court, your agreement together will reduce the risk of future disagreement, as will all other aspects of your lives.

Separation agreement contents

The document includes paragraphs that cover:

  • Details of the parties, including the separation date
  • Details of any children, if applicable
  • Arrangements for the disposal of the house by sale, or
  • An option for one party to keep the matrimonial home and be bought out by the other
  • Payment of outgoings such as bills and other expenses – who will pay
  • Division of other possessions and household property
  • Assignment of insurance policies (you may additionally need: Deed of assignment: life insurance policy or endowment policy)
  • Division of business property
  • Maintenance payments for the spouse and any children
  • Lump sum payments
  • Conclusion of joint accounts
  • Option for the parties to agree to petition for a divorce after two years separation
  • Child maintenance arrangements
  • Parental rights arrangements
Sample separation agreementFront cover

Recent reviews

Great Service
12 September 2014
I would Highly recommended this document to other couples who have separated and who are able to cooperatively create their own separation agreement. It was easy to use - both language Wise and practically speaking. For $ 50.00 we were able to avoid thousands of dollars in lawyers fees - though I would highly suggest people do consult with a lawyer prior to using such a document to ensure they are aware of all of their right and responsibilities.
Mary Baker
Form Filled
24 July 2023
Wesley Jones
Wesley Jones
Review of the Australian version
Fast and customizable
20 February 2014
Fast, efficient, suitable to my needs. The instructions for seeking legal advice were relevant and useful. The document is what I needed and easy to follow and fill in.
Plus, unlike a number of other sites, I wasn't pressured to buy the services of a lawyer in order to obtain the document I needed (especially handy when I have a solicitor to take advisement from already).

Carol Dale
Review of the Australian version
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