Alternatives to divorce ======================= Under English law there are several alternatives to divorce, including separation and separation agreements, post-nuptial agreements, and judicial separation. Separation and separation agreements ------------------------------------ It is possible to separate from your partner without involving the courts at all. If you simply want to live separate lives, then you can make a [separation agreement](https://vardags.com/law-guide/alternatives-divorce/separation-agreements) for how your assets will be divided. Such an agreement will not, however, have the benefit of court order disclosure and it may be easier for your partner to hide their true wealth. A separation agreement might also be hard to enforce if your partner does not do this willingly. If you do separate without a legal divorce, you will not be able to re-marry. It may also have important impact on other legal rights, such as inheritance. [Click here](https://vardags.com/law-guide/alternatives-divorce/separation-agreements) to read more on separation agreements. **If you are considering or going through a divorce or would like to explore alternatives, click below for a free initial consultation with one of our expert divorce solicitors.** [BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact "BOOK FREE CONSULTATION") Judicial separation ------------------- [Judicial separation](https://vardags.com/law-guide/alternatives-divorce/judicial-separation) is an alternative to divorce which does involve the court. It is very rare and is generally used only when both parties have a strong objection to getting divorced, for example for religious reasons. Under a judicial separation, the court extinguishes obligations between the married parties, but allows them to remain married. This, of course, means that neither can remarry. Upon judicial separation, the court is entitled to make the full range of financial orders which it can upon divorce. [Click here](https://vardags.com/law-guide/alternatives-divorce/judicial-separation)to read more on judicial separation. Annulment --------- If your marriage is not legally binding or valid, you can ask the court for an [annulment](https://vardags.com/law-guide/alternatives-divorce/annulment-marriage). Generally, you should apply for an annulment in the first year of marriage, and if there is a delay beyond this then you may be asked to explain the reason for this. To be eligible for an annulment, you will need to show that the marriage was never legally valid, or it was legally valid but something has made it voidable. [Click here](https://vardags.com/law-guide/alternatives-divorce/annulment-marriage)to read more on annulments. Post-nuptial agreements ----------------------- Under a post-nuptial agreement, spouses can agree a division of their assets without getting divorced. Sometimes this will take effect immediately - with the poorer spouse receiving transfers from the richer - whilst other times it will only take effect if they divorce. A post-nup will give both parties clarity about their respective rights and what might happen were their relationship to end. Often it will be used by people who are considering divorce but want to work on their relationship with a key understanding of what their financial rights are. For a post-nuptial agreement to be effective, it is important that is negotiated fairly and with a full understanding of the parties' financial circumstances. To be sure you are getting the right deal, you will need to understand the full extent of your partner's assets and the effect that the agreement will have. Glossary Reference ------------------ ### Judicial separation A process terminating legal obligations between spouses but not dissolving the marriage. ### Post-nuptial agreements An agreement that spouses enter into after a marriage, which details terms for how their marital assets will be split in the event of a divorce. ### Separation The end of a relationship often marked by the couple ceasing to cohabitate. Can be one of the grounds for divorce. ### Separation agreement An agreement reached by a couple following separation setting out matters including where each party will live, division of the assets, and agreement as to the children matters. ### Annulment of Marriage --- The key difference between a divorce and an annulment is that a divorce ends a legally valid marriage, while an annulment declares a marriage to have been invalid from the start. Most marriages are legally valid, making divorce proceedings much more common than... [Find out more](https://vardags.com/law-guide/alternatives-divorce/annulment-marriage "Annulment of Marriage") ### Separation Agreements: Key Legal Considerations --- What is a Separation Agreement? A separation agreement is a contact outlining an agreement between a couple that have separated or are seeking to separate, setting out their affairs post-separation. These agreements typically... [Find out more](https://vardags.com/law-guide/alternatives-divorce/separation-agreements "Separation Agreements: Key Legal Considerations") ### Judicial Separation --- What is judicial (Legal) separation? Judicial separation allows a couple to legally separate without having divorced, which would legally end their marriage. It is a formal separation that is granted by the courts. Although unusual,... [Find out more](https://vardags.com/law-guide/alternatives-divorce/judicial-separation "Judicial Separation") The information on this website is intended as a guide and does not constitute legal advice. Vardags do not accept liability for any errors in the information on this website, nor any losses stemming from reliance upon the statements made herein. All articles and pages aim to reflect the legal position at time they were published, and may have been rendered obsolete by subsequent developments in the law. Should you require specialist advice, tailored to your situation, please see how Vardags can help you. What our clients say -------------------- What should have been the worst year of my life was resurrected by this firm. The Manchester based team of Anne-Marie Bradley and Kate Taylor were exceptional. They treat you as a human being rather than a client. I can't thank... them enough for all their expertise, choice of barrister and expert witness. If I am ever unlucky enough to repeat this horrible episode, they will be my first port of call. Can't recommend these two enough. Mark Gallagher They have definitely lived up to their name of being a top divorce and family law firm. S. Gasparini Vardags aren't cheap, but they are worth it. Steve I would highly recommend AnneMarie Bradley. I found myself in a very difficult position during my divorce. her understanding of the position and making me see this from a different point of view helped me defend my position.... along with a defence it placed me in a driving position and saved me a lot of money. The end result was justice and I will be forever grateful. Dale Heathcote Very comprehensive service with excellent in house expertise. They helped me achieve an outcome that was beyond my expectations. Paul Stringer The review itself is not so much about the Firm but about a singular solicitor who I had the absolute pleasure to have as my solicitor in what I can only describe as the hardest time in my life! her name is Amie Pine. Matt Ballard OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM ------------------- [### Ayesha Vardag](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/ayesha-vardag "Ayesha Vardag Founder & President Divorce & Family") [### Stephen Bence](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/stephen-bence "Stephen Bence Vardags CEO") [### David Lister](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/david-lister "David Lister") [Founder & President](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/ayesha-vardag "Ayesha Vardag Founder & President Divorce & Family") [Chief Executive Officer](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/stephen-bence "Stephen Bence Vardags CEO") [Senior Partner and Head of London Family - Divorce & Family](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/david-lister "David Lister") [### Ayesha Vardag Founder & President ](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/ayesha-vardag "Ayesha Vardag Founder & President Divorce & Family")"Ayesha Vardag - Britain's top divorce lawyer." The Telegraph [### Stephen Bence Chief Executive Officer](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/stephen-bence "Stephen Bence Vardags CEO")"Dr Stephen Bence is a financial genius." Lewis Marks KC [### David Lister Senior Partner and Head of London Family - Divorce & Family ](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/david-lister "David Lister")"Brilliant with a real spark which clients love" Legal 500 [Meet the rest of the team](https://vardags.com/team) [Vardags climbs ranks of UK's biggest firms in The Lawyer's UK 200](https://vardags.com/posts/vardags-london-climbs-ranks-of-uks-biggest-firms-in-the-lawyers-uk-200)