Divorce Agreement Template for the UK

Start working on your separation or divorce agreement as soon as you and your partner decide to live apart or end the marriage. An early start gives you time to divide assets, arrange childcare, and settle finances before matters become difficult, and it avoids rushed decisions that could affect you for years.

A separation agreement is the practical choice for couples who want written terms while remaining married, for example during a trial separation or while deciding whether to divorce. It can later feed into a formal divorce agreement. Many couples in England and Wales draft their terms while living separately, before filing court papers, so they can negotiate calmly and understand their rights first.

• Divorce Settlement Agreement: The most comprehensive type, covering all aspects of divorce including assets, debts, and support payments
• Marriage Separation Agreement: Used during trial separations, outlining temporary arrangements before final divorce
• Mutual Divorce Agreement: For uncontested divorces where both parties agree on all terms
• Divorce Property Division Agreement: Focuses specifically on dividing property and assets
• Divorce Agreement Papers: Basic version covering essential terms, suitable for simpler divorces

• Divorcing Spouses: The primary parties who negotiate and agree to the terms, and must follow the agreement's provisions after divorce
• Family Law Solicitors: Draft and review Divorce Agreements, ensuring legal compliance and protecting their clients' interests
• Mediators: Help couples negotiate terms and reach mutual agreements before formal legal drafting
• Family Court Judges: Review and approve agreements as part of divorce proceedings, ensuring fairness and legal validity
• Financial Advisors: Assist with complex financial arrangements, pension splitting, and tax implications
• Children's Guardian: May be involved when arrangements affect children's welfare

• Personal details: Gather full names, addresses, marriage date, and separation date for both partners
• Asset inventory: List all property, vehicles, savings, investments, and pensions owned jointly or separately
• Financial documents: Collect bank statements, mortgage details, pension valuations, and proof of income
• Children's information: Note ages, living arrangements, school details, and specific care needs
• Debt records: Document all joint and individual debts, including mortgages and loans
• Future plans: Outline agreed arrangements for housing, childcare, and ongoing financial support
• Legal requirements: Generate a compliant agreement on the Genie platform that includes all mandatory elements for England and Wales

• Party Details: Full legal names, addresses, and marriage certificate details
• Property Division: Clear terms for splitting all assets, including the family home, vehicles, and personal items
• Financial Settlement: Arrangements for maintenance payments, pension sharing, and division of savings
• Child Arrangements: Detailed custody schedule, contact arrangements, and financial support for children
• Clean Break Clause: Statement preventing future financial claims between parties
• Consideration and Consent: Confirmation that each party enters the agreement freely, with full financial disclosure, so a court can later approve the terms as a consent order
• Jurisdiction Statement: Confirmation the agreement falls under England and Wales law
• Signature Block: Space for both parties to sign, date, and have witnesses
• Legal Declaration: Statement confirming both parties understand and freely agree to terms

A divorce agreement and a separation agreement serve different purposes, so it helps to see them side by side before choosing. In general terms, a separation agreement governs how partners live apart while married, and a divorce agreement finalises matters when the marriage ends.

For the detail on how courts treat financial orders in England and Wales, see the gov.uk guidance on money and property when a relationship ends.