There are many reasons why married couples may not want to divorce immediately they separate. It may be that they have not yet been married for a year and cannot therefore yet get a divorce, or they may have religious objections to divorce, or it may simply be that they are not yet ready to bring the marriage to an end. Whatever the reason, there will still be legal issues to resolve, for example:

• Is a Judicial Separation appropriate?
   
• Sorting out arrangements for any children - for further details see here.
   
• Dealing with financial matters, including maintenance and what is to happen to the matrimonial home, and putting those terms into a written Separation Agreement.

Separation matters are dealt with by John Bolch, who is a member of the Family Law Accreditation Scheme and Resolution, formerly the Solicitor's Family Law Association.

Useful web sites:

Resolution

Child Support Agency

UK College of Family Mediators