Matrimonial Causes Act 1973: Primary legislation governing divorce and financial settlements. Key focus on Section 25 factors for financial settlements and provisions for property adjustment.
Family Law Act 1996: Legislation covering domestic proceedings and occupation rights, particularly Part IV. Essential for determining rights to occupy the family home during separation.
Children Act 1989: Fundamental legislation ensuring children's welfare is paramount in any agreement. Covers arrangements for residence, contact, and maintenance of children.
Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996: Legislation governing property ownership and trust matters, particularly relevant when dealing with shared property in separation agreements.
Edgar v Edgar [1980] EWCA Civ 2: Key case law establishing principles regarding the validity and weight of separation agreements in English courts.
Radmacher v Granatino [2010] UKSC 42: Supreme Court case primarily about prenuptial agreements, but establishing important principles applicable to separation agreements.
Crossley v Crossley [2007] EWCA Civ 1491: Case law defining the court's approach to agreements between spouses and their enforcement.
Human Rights Act 1998: Legislation ensuring compliance with human rights, particularly Article 8 (right to private and family life) and Article 1 of Protocol 1 (protection of property).
Civil Partnership Act 2004: Legislation governing rights and responsibilities of civil partners, applicable when drafting agreements for same-sex couples.
Married Women's Property Act 1882: Historical legislation providing context for property rights in marriage, still relevant for understanding the development of property rights between spouses.
