Controlling or coercive behaviour in intimate or familial relationships is a criminal offence, as is domestic violence.  Examples of controlling or coercive behaviour can include acts of domestic violence, but also includes:

• Isolating a person from their friends or family
• Depriving them of this basic needs
• Monitoring their time
• Monitoring them via online communication tools
• Taking control over aspects of their everyday life
• Repeatedly putting them down
• Enforcing rules and activity which humiliates and degrades

An occupation order is a type of order that the court can make, that regulates who is entitled to live in a property. An occupation order can:

• Exclude someone from the home altogether,
• Restrict the right of someone to live in the home
• Regulate how the home is used – setting out who can use which parts of the home and when
• Define who is responsible to maintain the home
• Who should pay rent, mortgage instalments, other outgoings and bills
• Who should keep the home and contents secure.

A non-molestation order prohibits someone from behaving in a certain way towards another person. Each non-molestation order will be tailored to the individual circumstances. If you have applied for a non-molestation order it can:

• 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 post-nuptial agreement is a legal document which sets out how a couple’s assets should be divided if they get divorced. Couples can create 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
• Children and childcare arrangements
• Business interests.

A deed of separation is a legal agreement that formalises the terms of your separation. A solicitor can help you make a deed of separation that covers important issues, such as your finances, property and children.

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.