Separation - where to start?

[Beachy10]

I want to separate from my husband. We live together and both have names on the mortgage. We have two young children. He wants to go to counselling to work on the relationship but I don't and want the relationship to end.

I have no idea where to start with gathering the advice and information that I need to move forward regarding finances, the house, the children etc.

Any advice? Do I contact a solicitor first? Do I contact a mediator?

Thanks

It’s always wise to see a solicitor for advice and guidance even if you end up agreeing between yourselves

Do you work ?
Do you have your own bank account with child benefit paid into it ?
Do you both have private pensions ?
You can start the divorce yourself on line and get financial advice from a solicitor

Absolutely get yourself informed. Including your own legal advice so that you understand what you are facing.

Counselling works for some couples to work out the details of their separation. If you can possibly come to an agreement yourselves on the finances and arrangements generally, it will be better than a fight.

I think I'll contact a solicitor tomorrow to try and gather information. I know he will be difficult as it isn't what he wants and is a stubborn person so I envisage a battle unfortunately.
@KangarooKenny yes I work but I'm on maternity leave at the moment. I have my own pension and child benefit is paid into a joint account

Have you visualised what your future family life looks like - children, housing, work, childcare. It is useful to think about ‘where I see myself in five years time’ to ideate what the future might hold. Don’t underestimate the fallout, recriminations, and impacts on friends and family as well as the immediate family unit. A parenting plan would be something to look at as an absolute priority, in my advice.

My dad bought me the Which guide to Divorce at the time of mine, it has lots of useful info in.