The spouse who is forced to take such an unpleasant decision of terminating the marriage happens to be the woman in almost two thirds of the situations in the United Kingdom. Apparently announcing this decision to the partner and other family members rests with the initiator of the divorce.

Communicating this decision is extremely difficult for it unleashes a gamut of emotions ranging from despair and distress to anger and hatred. Accusations fly thick and fast and in this frightening scenario the justification and necessity of the decision taken is genuinely doubted by the very initiator.

The pain caused by the announcement can be mitigated by being considerate. The very prospect of termination of the relationship deeply hurts the spouse. This need not be compounded by participating in the blame game. Rather assuring the partner that the decision has not been reached at due to some short coming of theirs ensures long term cordiality among the family members.

Another issue that requires immediate attention is the prospect of insecurity presented by divorce that might follow separation. Women tend to frighten more at this possibility for they are not as financially strong as men, for many of them relinquish career to devote time to home and family.

This prospective uncertainty need be no cause for worry anymore. Protection is available in the form of Separation Agreements. Though Separation Agreements do not have a strong legal binding and are not strictly enforceable like a court order they do bring about a semblance of order in the jumble of financial issues. Incidentally, financial issues have proved to be one among the major causes for divorce in the United Kingdom.

Necessity of a Separation Agreement

Couples might part as the best of friends. No issue might be large enough worth fighting for. The oral agreement entered into by them would be amicable and all relevant issues might have been justifiably settled. This is a peaceful scenario, subject to overnight change when one of the partners starts dating another. And when the prospect of remarriage looms large trying to come to a settlement could mean either going to the court or concluding unfair deals. Entering into Separation Agreement is in the best of interests of either partner. Failing to do so would mean dragging issues to court and risking acrimonious relationships that invariably result long drawn battles. And enmity among parents immeasurably damages the child.

Separation Agreements are a necessity not only for couples who have decided to stay separated and not divorce, it is also for couples to whom divorce is imminent after fulfilling the legal requirements laid down by the courts.

Protection Offered by a Separation Agreement

•One among the best benefits of a Separation Agreement is the flexibility it offers. Extremely unfair deals entered in spurts of ignorance can be changed.

•Separation agreement offers couples protection when they need it most, fearing the uncertainty at the end of the marriage.

•Everything is put down in writing. This gives a clear picture to the couple who can start planning their future independent lives.

•Separation Agreements prevents future legal costs.

•One of the necessary conditions for being granted divorce by the courts is a certain period of separation. Signing a Separation Agreement is a legal confirmation of the time spent apart.

Separation Agreements are neither vague nor can their validity be questioned. People opting for a Separation Agreement should enter into one only after consulting their respective solicitors for these agreements could well turn the final settlements in the event of a divorce. The courts accept a change only if the agreement appears extremely unfair otherwise they stand validated.

The growing popularity of the Separation Agreement is due to the convenience it offers. All the vital issues that crop up during a divorce like child custody, financial settlement and other importantly minor issues are sorted out with minimum legal intervention. The effects of divorce are achieved without paying hefty solicitor's fees. Couples who plan not to remarry find this a good alternative to divorce.