Separation and Divorce Advice Hub
If you are separating, thinking about separation, or already in the middle of it, you may be feeling completely overwhelmed and unsure where to start.
This Separation and Divorce Advice Hub is here to give you clear, practical information about family mediation, children arrangements, and sorting out finances after separation – based on my 19 years’ experience as a family mediator and my background as a non-practising solicitor.
You’ll find practical guidance here on separation and divorce, financial arrangements, property and pensions, children and parenting, MIAMs and the family mediation process – so you can understand your options before deciding what to do next.
This guidance relates to separation, divorce and family mediation in England and Wales.
Not sure where to start?
Separation and divorce can raise several questions at once – about finances, the family home, children, pensions or what happens next. You do not need to work everything out at once. Start with the topic that feels most relevant to you now and follow the guidance from there.
Separation and Divorce Advice by Topic
Money, Property & Pensions
Practical guidance on sorting out finances after separation or divorce, including financial disclosure, the family home, mortgages, savings, pensions and reaching financial agreements through mediation.
View Money, Property & Pensions Articles
Can I Still Retire When I Planned If We Divorce Now?
Divorce just before retirement can make carefully made plans feel uncertain. This article looks at pensions, housing, future income and the questions to consider before deciding whether your planned retirement is still affordable.
We’re Still Friendly – Do We Really Need Full Financial Disclosure?
If you are separating amicably, you may wonder whether full financial disclosure is really necessary. Find out why clear, complete disclosure still matters, even when you trust each other and hope to keep things constructive.
Will I Be at a Disadvantage in Mediation If I Don’t Understand the Finances?
If your former partner has always managed the finances, mediation can feel daunting. Find out how the process can help ensure you both understand the financial information before discussing possible arrangements.
My Husband Has Always Dealt With the Money – How Do I Start Untangling Our Finances?
If your husband has always managed the finances, separation can feel particularly daunting. Find out what information to gather, what you need to understand and how to start building a clearer picture of your financial position.
Separated But Can’t Afford to Live Apart – What Can We Do?
Separating can feel impossible when you cannot see how to afford two homes. We look at practical options for your home, mortgage, children and finances, and how mediation can help you work towards a realistic way forward.
Practical Separation and Divorce Advice
Practical guidance to help you understand your options during separation or divorce, make informed decisions and deal with the practical, financial and emotional issues that can arise along the way.
View Separation and Divorce Advice Articles
Your Divorce Is More Than a Statistic – What the Latest Divorce Figures Really Mean
Your divorce is more than a statistic. The latest ONS figures show that people are divorcing after longer marriages, but they cannot tell us what that means for your home, finances, children or plans for the future.
I Don’t Want a Battle – But I Don’t Want to Be Taken Advantage of Either
You want to keep your divorce or separation constructive, but you do not want to agree to something just to avoid conflict. Find out how to ask questions, set boundaries and make informed decisions without turning separation into a battle.
Children and Parenting
Separation can bring difficult decisions about children, routines and family life. Here you’ll find practical guidance on children arrangements after separation, parenting across two homes, communication and how family mediation can help you work towards arrangements that meet your children’s needs.
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Our Children Are Adults – Does Our Divorce Still Affect Them?
Adult children can still be affected by their parents’ separation or divorce. This article looks at the emotional and practical impact, and how parents can handle conversations and family changes with care.
We’re Separating Just as Our Child Goes to University – Who Pays for What?
When separation and university happen at the same time, money can quickly become complicated. Find out how separated parents can approach university costs, Student Finance and child maintenance in a practical way.
Back to School After Separation: How Can We Make Parenting Arrangements Work?
The start of a new school year can bring practical challenges after separation. Find out how parents can approach routines, school arrangements and communication in a way that works for their children.
The Mediation Process
Understand how family mediation works, what happens at a MIAM, whether mediation may be suitable for you, and what happens if your former partner does not want to mediate.
View Family Mediation Articles
What Is a MIAM?
If you are separating and considering court proceedings about children or finances, you may need to attend a MIAM first. Find out what a MIAM is, what happens and whether it applies to you.
Family Mediation Vouchers
If you are separating and have children to consider, the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may help with the cost of mediation. Find out how the scheme works, who may be eligible and what the voucher can cover.
Is Family Mediation Cheaper Than Using Solicitors?
Is mediation cheaper than using solicitors? This article explains the real cost difference between mediation and legal routes, and why many people are surprised by how costs escalate.
Family Mediation: Not Just About Children
Family mediation isn’t just about children. Find out how it can also help you deal with finances, property and the wider practical issues of separation.
Ex Refuses Mediation
If your former partner does not want to mediate, you may still be unsure what happens next. Find out whether you can still attend a MIAM, whether they have to take part and what your options may be.
Need help with your own situation?
General information can help you understand the issues, but every separation is different. If you would like help working out your next steps, you can explore my family mediation, MIAM and one-to-one divorce consultancy services.
Important disclaimer
The information in these articles is for general guidance only and is not to be considered legal advice. Every family situation is different, and you should not rely on this information as a substitute for taking personalised advice about your own circumstances. Using this Advice Hub or reading any of the articles does not create a client relationship. If you would like advice about your own situation, you should seek independent legal advice or contact Divorce Nicely to discuss whether mediation or divorce consultancy may be suitable for you.