CITIZENS ADVICE CHARNWOOD offers general advice on
What To Do If Your Relationship Breaks Down

There are things you need to work out when separating from your partner - it is always best to try and sort things out amicably.

When there are children involved it is particularly important to decide on where they will live and with whom. Also, how often they will be able to see the parent they won't be living with. If possible, it is best to keep arrangements about the children informal.

Other things to think about are -
- Both you and your ex-partner will need somewhere to live
- Any shared money and possessions will need to be divided up
- Will each of you be able to afford all the bills once you've separated?

Don't be pressured into making decisions straight away, certainly not before you have been able to talk it through. It is important to be able to reach an arrangement that suits both of you before getting solicitors involved. Unless you really can't agree what to do, you don't have to go to court to separate.

If you cannot agree it is a good idea to consider trying mediation first as the mediator will not take sides, which could make it easier to solve any differences between you and your ex-partner. There is a charge for this but also help is available for those on a low income or where a child is involved. Mediation could save you money in legal fees.

Whatever you decide should be written down - possible things to agree on:-

• living apart
• not annoying or harassing your ex-partner
• paying your ex-partner financial support or maintenance
• paying child maintenance towards the cost of looking after your children
• seeing the children on certain days

If you are made to feel anxious or threatened by your partner it is important to seek help. There are various organisations that you can try like Refuge and Women's Aid on 0808 2000 247 or Men's Advice line on 0808 8010327 or you can talk to one of our Advisers by ringing our Local Enquiry line on 01509 649605.

If you and your ex-partner can agree and have put it in writing, then it is a good idea to see a solicitor who can arrange a separation agreement and make sure everything has been written down correctly.

You can decide to go straight for a divorce or an end to your civil partnership if you have been married for more than one year.

If you're in the UK as a dependant on your partner's visa, you'll also need to check if you can stay. Our Advisers can help with this.

You can talk to an Adviser by ringing our Local Enquiry line on 01509 649605.
We are open on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9.30 am – 3.00pm.
Our service is FREE, Independent & Confidential.

Detailed information about Divorce & Separation can be found under 'Family' on the Citizens Advice website (www.citizensadvice.org.uk

For general information about our services go to www.charnwoodcab.org.uk