When separation happens – putting your family’s wellbeing first

February 13, 2026
All Tallents Articles Andrew Stout Children law Family law

When separation happens – putting your family’s wellbeing first

The decision to separate or divorce is never made lightly, notes Andy Stout from Tallents Solicitors. Emotions can run high, and even when both partners agree that separation or divorce is the right step the uncertainty ahead can feel daunting. That’s why choosing the right legal support early on is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself, your future and any children.

Andy Stout from Tallents Solicitors discusses negotiating divorce and separationAt Tallents Solicitors, our experienced family law solicitors in Newark, Southwell and Mansfield are here to help. We provide clear, compassionate advice that helps clients move forward with confidence, ensuring that every decision you make today lays the foundation for a more secure tomorrow for you and your family.

Understanding your options when separating or divorcing

In England and Wales, the introduction of no-fault divorce has simplified the legal process for separating couples. It removes the need to assign blame and allows both partners to focus on cooperation and resolution. However, the surrounding financial decisions and decisions about arrangements for children that must still be made can feel complex and overwhelming to tackle alone.

This is where our family lawyers will help you understand the best route for your personal circumstances, whether through negotiation, mediation or, where required, court proceedings. The right approach for you will depend on the complexity of your assets, finances, and parenting arrangements.

Why early legal advice matters

Early legal advice when considering a divorce helps prevent costly financial mistakes, reduces conflict between separating partners, and ensures informed decisions can be made for everyone, especially in areas which concern children and finances.

Our Initial Fixed Fee Meeting based at our Newark office provides essential early guidance from the outset on a range of legal options:

  • Finance and property
  • Child arrangements
  • Mediation

To arrange your confidential initial fixed-fee meeting, contact Tallents Solicitors at Newark or use our online enquiry form. Together, we’ll help you find the right approach that protects what matters most to you.

We also offer a free phone-in family law clinic on the first and last Tuesday of each month, held between 5pm and 7pm. Call 01636 813411 to speak to a solicitor in confidence.

When children are involved

For parents, separation often raises worries about how children will cope with the news and the process. In our experience, establishing clear parenting arrangements, such as where children live, how their best interests are considered when time is divided, and who makes key decisions on behalf of the children, is vital to preserving stability for them during the separation or divorce process.

Where possible we recommend exploring family mediation. Mediation offers parents a neutral and confidential environment to build a workable parenting plan that keeps the focus on the child’s best interests. It’s often faster, less stressful and more cost-effective than going to court.

Where mediation isn’t appropriate, such as in cases involving domestic abuse, our solicitors can ensure your wishes are represented fairly and decisions about child arrangements are guided by the welfare of your child above all else.

Protecting your financial position

Finances can be one of the most significant challenges during separation. Whether it concerns the family home, pensions, savings, investments or a business, having an experienced divorce solicitor by your side can make all the difference.

We’ll help you identify which assets are matrimonial and advise on how they might fairly be divided. Transparency and full financial disclosure are essential steps in reaching a settlement that protects both parties’ futures.

Whenever possible, our team helps clients reach agreement without court intervention by preparing a legally binding Financial Consent Order. This ensures both parties remain financially protected in the years ahead.

Taking the heat out of conflict

Even in amicable separations, emotions can run high. At Tallents Solicitors, our family law team focuses on reducing conflict and guiding clients towards constructive, future-focused decisions. We will handle every matter with care, discretion, and understanding.

Our expertise extends beyond divorce to encompass every aspect of family law, including:

  • Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
  • Cohabitation and living-together arrangements
  • Child arrangements and parental responsibility issues
  • Civil partnership dissolution
  • Domestic abuse and protective orders

No matter your circumstances, we aim to help you achieve a resolution that allows everyone involved to move forward positively.

Local care, lifelong legal support

Whether you live in Newark, Southwell or Mansfield, choosing an experienced, local family law solicitor means having someone nearby who understands your community and values. Many of our clients come to us through personal recommendations, a testament to the trust we’ve built over more than 250 years by helping local families navigate life’s transitions with dignity and care.

When you work with Tallents Solicitors, you’ll always know who is handling your case. Our team keeps communication open and updates clear, so you’ll never feel left alone.

Talk to our family law team today

We know that every family’s story is different, and every separation deserves sensitive, personal legal advice. If you’re considering divorce or separation, or you need guidance about your children or finances, our experienced family law solicitors in Newark, Southwell and Mansfield are here to help.

Please reach out to us at one of our offices or complete our enquiry form.

Tallents Solicitors – here for your whole life.

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This article is intended for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Every family is different; for advice specific to your circumstances, please get in touch with Tallents Solicitors for an initial consultation.

child arragements children law civil partnership cohabitation Divorce domestic abuse Family law family mediation financial consent order Mediation no fault divorce parental responsibilities postnuptial prenup protective order separation
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Free phone-in family law clinics in Southwell
Free phone-in family law clinic from Tallents Solicitors