What do I need to work out when I’m separating from my partner?

MY partner and I are separating, and I am unsure legally what to do, what help is available and where to start?

When you separate from your partner, there are things you’ll need to work out.

The partner you’re separating from could be your husband, wife or civil partner – even if you’re not divorcing or ending your civil partnership straight away. You need to have been married for at least 1 year before you can divorce or end your civil partnership.

It could also be a partner you live with or have children with, but who isn’t your husband, wife or civil partner.

When you separate from your partner, you might need to work out things like:

where your children will live and how often they’ll see the parent they don’t live with where you’re going to live how to divide up any money or belongings you share

whether you’ll be able to afford to pay the bills once you’re living separately

You don’t have to go to court to decide what to do when you separate unless you really can’t agree with each other.

It can be cheaper and quicker to figure out the arrangements yourselves, but even if you do agree, it’s a good idea to talk to a solicitor or get legal advice.

The Citizens Advice Plymouth Legal Advice Centre (LAC) offers free remote legal advice for litigants in person (an individual who does not have any representation via a solicitor or is self-representing). This service is provided in partnership with the University House Law Centre

If you live in Devon or Cornwall, are not instructing a solicitor and you are not eligible for Legal Aid you can access the Legal Advice Centre (LAC) where you can get a one-off advice appointment via the telephone to progress you with your issue.

The LAC can provide advice in the following areas for family issues completing/responding to a divorce petition, private arrangements for children, financial orders, asset freezing orders, occupation orders, non-molestation orders and navigating family court processes generally.

The LAC also offers employment advice around discrimination, unfair treatment, asserting your legal rights at work, pay issues, dismissal, redundancy and making a grievance at work

In addition, the LAC can provide limited advice on issues relating to Housing, and Welfare Benefits tribunals or appeals.

To access the service could not be simpler. Clients can refer themselves via our website by completing the relevant form for the area they require advice on: https://citizensadviceplymouth.org.uk/legaladvice-centre/, this is the preferred access route into the service but clients may also call 01752 982899 if the form would be difficult for them to complete.

The information contained in these articles does not constitute advice. Citizens Advice and The Western Morning News accept no liability for the information published. Citizens Advice is unable to respond to individual requests for advice through these columns. Copyright Citizens Advice. For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk