Family
Annabel Andreou
September 2025
If you’re wondering what to do if your marriage is ending, start with three key actions: speak to a family law solicitor, gather essential financial records, and keep your children’s routines stable.
Realising that your marriage may be coming to an end can feel overwhelming. It’s not just a legal process—it’s an emotional journey, and often one that touches every part of your life. You may be worried about your children, your home, your finances, or even how to begin having the conversation with your partner. Many people feel guilt, confusion, or fear of the unknown.
The important thing to remember is: you are not alone, and you don’t need to have all the answers straight away. Taking small, informed steps now can give you a sense of control and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Here are ten practical and constructive steps to consider:
- Speak to a family lawyer early
Even if you’re not sure whether you want to separate, getting clear advice can take away some of the uncertainty. We’ll explain the divorce process, what happens with finances, and how children’s arrangements are dealt with.
Early legal advice helps you understand your options before making big decisions.
- Understand how divorce works now
Since April 2022, divorce in England and Wales is “no-fault.” This means you don’t have to blame your spouse for the breakdown of the marriage. This change reduces unnecessary conflict and makes it easier for couples to separate constructively.
You can now apply for divorce without assigning blame—simply stating the marriage has irretrievably broken down.
- Organise your finances
Start by pulling together key information on:
- Assets (homes, pensions, savings, businesses)
- Income (Salary, dividends, benefits)
- Debts (Credit cards, mortgages, loans)
You don’t need everything at once, but a broad picture helps. It can be important to record the facts at the date of separation, as these could be important later when financial claims are considered and often there is a delay between separation and dealing with financial claims and facts are lost.
- Put your children first
Children’s wellbeing is the court’s first priority. Try to reassure them, keep routines stable, and avoid involving them in adult conflict. If communicating directly is difficult, consider using a parenting app such as OurfamilyWizard, which helps parents to make arrangements, organise schedules and communicate constructively.
- Consider mediation
Mediation is a voluntary process where a trained mediator helps you agree on finances and children’s arrangements without going to court. It’s often quicker, cheaper, and less stressful.
- Make safe housing arrangements
Think practically about where each of you will live. Will one person remain in the family home? Will the property need to be sold? Taking time to plan calmly avoids unnecessary upheaval later.
- Stay constructive in communication
Try to avoid hostile emails, text messages, or social media posts. The way you communicate now sets the tone for negotiations and may influence outcomes if your case reaches court.
- Take care of yourself emotionally
Lean on trusted friends or family. Consider counselling or support groups. A divorce is as much an emotional journey as it is a legal one. The end of a long standing relationship is equivalent to a bereavement, treat it as such and realise it will take time before you come to terms with the situation.
- Don’t make rushed financial moves
Avoid transferring assets, cashing in pensions, or moving out of the house without advice or entering into financial arrangements like refinancing mortgages. These decisions can have lasting legal consequences.
- Keep the bigger picture in mind
The goal is a fair and workable outcome, not “winning.” A constructive approach reduces cost, stress, and time, and helps everyone move forward with dignity.
Final thoughts
Ending a marriage is never easy, but you don’t need to face it on your own. The law is designed to support both parties and, most importantly, to protect children’s best interests. With the right advice and support, you can move forward into the next stage of your life with confidence.
If you feel your marriage may be ending, contact our family law team today. We’ll guide you through the process step by step—with compassion, clarity, and practical advice to protect your future.
