What are the steps to separation?

[newmummylucy]

Hi everyone

Could someone please tell me as simply as possible what the steps are for separation?

Universal credit?
Child maintenance?
Solicitors etc?

I don't know where to start and I'm finding it all very overwhelming.

Thankyou

Lucy

Completely depends on circumstances right now

I would imagine applying for benefits is your immediate priority but I believe you need to be separated first but check this

• solicitor to discuss legals / potential entitlement / split of finances / you should get this advice first to get a view on what you each may be reasonably looking at
• Decide on finances either between you or with a mediator or worse case through solicitors
• Wikivorce is a really good site with lots of information there also

Thankyou. How do I go about mediation?

Do you have your own bank account ?
Do you have a joint bank account ?
Do either of you have private pensions ?
Do you own or rent ? If rent, are you named on the agreement.
Get a solicitor fast, and don’t agree to anything until you’ve run it past them.

It does depend on your circumstances but my suggestion would be:

First step is to gather financial information - an idea of all the assets including house equity, pensions, savings, debts and loans, expensive stuff like cars.

Also have a view on what the likely child living arrangements will be.

Work out an idea of your income after separation - salary, child maintenance, any benefits you'll get.

Also, is it amicable or not (however amicable there is likely to be something you don't agree on)

Then check out local family mediators (google, word of mouth recommendations) and take it from there.

Are you married or not?

@newmummylucy please can you pm me I don't know how to do it

@mrssunshinexxx I have no idea how to do it either!