If you and your partner are contemplating living separately prior to, say, applying for a divorce or dissolving your civil partnership perhaps, you should seriously consider entering into a Separation Agreement. This sets out who will pay the rent or mortgage and bills until you decide whether to proceed with your divorce or dissolution.
Legal Aid Eligibility
If you’re separating from a partner and wish to create a formal separation agreement, legal aid may be available — particularly if domestic abuse or child-related concerns are part of the situation.
Legal aid is not usually available for purely financial matters between separated partners however, it may apply if there is evidence of controlling behaviour, abuse, or safeguarding risks.
You can learn more about the criteria and exceptions on our Legal Aid page.
- Legal aid is limited for financial-only separation agreements.
- It may be available if abuse or children’s welfare are involved.
- Financial and case eligibility tests apply.
You can find more details about the criteria for legal aid in family law and what’s needed on our Legal Aid page.