Clear First Steps
Through Separation and Divorce
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Watch: Understanding Your Next Steps
More guidance when you need it
As your situation develops, you may find you need more detailed guidance on the issues that matter to you.
First Step Guide brings together further guidance on:
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Divorce
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Finances
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Mediation
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Child arrangements
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More complex situations
Calm, practical guidance to help you understand where you are now, what may come next, and where to find more detailed guidance when you need it.
Where are you now?
in England & Wales
Start with the first step.
Then take things one step at a time.
Difficult situations are rarely resolved in a single step.
You may begin by understanding where you are now, then explore the particular issues that become important to you.
Taking things step by step can make everything feel more manageable and help you approach each stage with greater clarity.
1. Start with the guide that fits where you are now
Choose the free guide that best reflects your situation.
2. Understand what comes next
Explore clear, practical guidance relevant to the next stage.
3. Go deeper where you need to
Find more detailed guidance on finances, mediation, child arrangements and more complex situations.
Divorce Guidance
Clear, practical guidance to help you understand the divorce process, your options and the issues you may need to consider along the way.
Begin with the essentials, then explore more detailed guidance where you need it.
Understand how divorce works, the main stages involved, and the options available to you.
Start here: Understanding Your Divorce Options Guide
How the divorce process works in England & Wales
Mediation can help you and your former partner work through issues such as finances and child arrangements without asking a court to decide.
If you are considering a court application about finances or child arrangements, you will usually need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) first, although exemptions can apply.
Start here: Family Mediation Guide
Then explore: What is a MIAM and do you need one?
Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).
Understand what happens at a MIAM and when one may be required.
Compare your options: Mediation and reaching financial agreement
Understand some of the differences in process, time and cost.
Explore ways of reaching agreement
Understanding your financial position can help you see what may need to be considered and what options are available for reaching an agreement.
Start here: Dividing Finances on Divorce Guide
How Assets, Property & Money Are Split
Then explore: Financial Arrangements Toolkit
Practical guidance to help you organise the information you may need.
For more complex situations:
Complex Divorce Finances Guide
More detailed guidance where finances, property, pensions or other
Finances on divorce in England & Wales
Understand the practical issues that may need to be considered when making arrangements for children after separation.
Start here: Child Arrangements After Separation
Then explore: Child Arrangements Toolkit
Practical guidance to help you think through arrangements and
prepare for discussions.
For more detailed guidance:
Child Arrangements After Separation – Complete Guide
A fuller guide covering the issues that may arise as arrangements
develop.
Child arrangements after separation or divorce
If you’d rather work through the key areas in order, our 4 Essential Divorce Guides Bundle brings together guidance on divorce, finances, mediation and child arrangements in one place.
👉 Explore: 4 Essential Divorce Guides Bundle
Prefer a step-by-step approach?
Information reviewed: September 2026
Our guidance is written for England & Wales and reviewed against current GOV.UK guidance and other authoritative sources.