Can we just decide to separate without involving the courts ?
Yes.
But, the advantage of using the court for a legal separation is that you
can then also sort out any disagreements about who is to care for the
children and also disagreements about dividing the money and property.
A court order will stop your partner from breaking the agreement.
If you and your partner can agree about money matters and the children you may still want your solicitor to draw up a document to show what has been agreed, this is called a "Deed of Separation". For this you will not need to involve the court, only a solicitor is required.
Do I need a solicitor to start a divorce or judicial separation ?
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