There are three compelling reasons why a separation agreement can be a good idea, besides the fact that you can't seek a divorce or dissolution within the first 12 months of a marriage or civil partnership. For example: It gives you time for consideration: Many divorced couples subsequently remarry, having found that they were hasty in seeking the finality of divorce proceedings. Separating under the terms of a properly drafted Separation Agreement can give you both the time and financial stability to think before taking such an important decision It could enable a more amicable divorce: While the notion of a 'no fault' divorce is being discussed by the Government – this has yet to pass into law. It could cost you less: If your divorce is amicable and uncontested, we offer a fixed fee service at £540 + £593 court fees. If you want an immediate divorce, you may find yourself having to cite unreasonable behaviour or adultery as the reason for the breakdown of the marriage or civil partnership, which can be quite damaging, especially if you have children together. However, the courts also accept two years of separation as a reason for a divorce or dissolution to be granted, and so a separation agreement can lay the groundwork for an amicable split in which neither party has to be blamed by the other to the detriment of family life in the future.