A non-molestation order prohibits someone from behaving in a certain way towards another person. Each non-molestation order will be tailored to address individual circumstances. If you have applied for a non-molestation order it can, among other things:
- Forbid violence against you
- Prohibit someone coming within specified distance of you, your home or your place of work
- Prohibit someone from communicating with you, except through your solicitors.
Mediation is when an independent and professionally trained mediator helps you work out an agreement with your former partner about issues such as:
- Childcare arrangements
- Finances- including pensions, dividing your assets and financial support
- Houses and property – such as your family home, or buy to let investments
In the first session known as a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) you will have an opportunity to meet the mediator individually and the process will be explained to you. After you have both attended an individual meeting, there will be a first joint meeting with the mediator. They will then get you and your partner to talk in a constructive way, and encourage you to start looking at options and ideas. In this way they are often able to help you find a workable solution, and one that can become part of a legal document.
A mediator's role is not to advise the parties, and you may benefit from independent legal advice alongside mediation.
A post-nuptial agreement is a legal document which sets out how a couple’s assets should be divided if they get divorced. Couples can enter into a post-nuptial agreement any time after they have married or entered into a civil partnership.
Post-nuptial agreements usually cover things like:
- Finances, including financial support
- Pensions, investments and other significant assets
- Business interests.
A deed of separation is a legal agreement that formalises the terms of your separation. They are usually used when parties separate but do not intend to divorce immediately. A solicitor can help you make a deed of separation that covers important issues, such as your finances, property and children. You should be aware that separation agreements are not strictly binding in the same way as a commercial agreement, but a court may uphold their terms. You should take advice from a solicitor if you think a separation agreement might be for you.
A judicial separation is similar to a divorce but leaves you legally married. It is a formal separation which goes through the courts. A solicitor can help you apply for a judicial separation.
A pre-nuptial agreement is a legal document that sets out who gets what if you get divorced or dissolve your civil partnership. Your pre-nuptial agreement should be signed at least 28 days before the date of your marriage/civil partnership.
Examples of assets a pre-nuptial agreements cover are:
- Your finances – including pensions, investments and financial support
- Houses and property – such as your family home, or buy to let investments
- Your business interests – if you own your own business or shares
- Valuable possessions – such as cars, antiques and family heirlooms.
A pre-nuptial agreement is not strictly binding in the same way as a commercial contract. However a pre-nuptial agreement is likely to be upheld if it is entered into freely by both parties and both parties understand what they signing up to, unless the court thinks it would be unfair to hold the parties to the agreement. A prenuptial agreement which has been prepared in the right way is increasingly likely to be enforced by the family courts.
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