differences between separation and divorce

[FlounderingWildly]

I have a quick question, what are the actual differences of legal separation vs divorce? If I get legally separated H would still have to pay child maintenance yes? But I guess the whole split of house equity etc can only happen with a divorce? Can anyone tell me if I've got that right or if there is anything else I need to know? Just trying to gather as much info on all possibilities as possible. TIA

[emilybrontescorset]

I'm no legal expert but understand that once you divorce AND finalise your finances, then you are no longer tied in any way to each other.
If separated then you are still each other's next of kin.

You can divorce without sorting finances.

In my opinion once a marriage is over then what is the point of staying legally bound to that person?

Also if you were to meet a new partner then being separated as opposed to divorced can be a deal breaker for some.

If you were to die( heaven forbid) then your h could inherit all your assets. If he then remarried and died everything would pass to his new wife.

This would be very problematic if you have dc together.


Never assume that people will do the decent, honourable thing in such times, they mist certainly won't.

[HuskyLover1]

We split our assets at the point that I left. I didn't file for divorce until a year or two later, because I had met someone else. We did get a separation agreement drawn up as I was leaving, which cost about £1500 each.

[LilJay82]

I am separated from my ex and we have finalised finances and house etc but we are not divorced yet.. I will get round to that when i have the money!!x

[FlounderingWildly]

Thanks so much for the replies. For some reason I had in my head you had to do the financial bit as part of a divorce so that really helps to clear things up.