Legal separation describes an arrangement where spouses formally separate and regulate their financial, property and (where relevant) child‑related affairs, while remaining legally married or in a civil partnership. It is often used where parties do not wish to divorce or dissolve the civil partnership immediately, for religious, personal, financial or immigration reasons. In England and Wales, and Northern Ireland, legal separation is usually achieved by a judicial separation order under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 / Matrimonial Causes (Northern Ireland) Order 1978, or by a separation agreement or deed of separation. Judicial separation largely mirrors divorce financial relief but does not end the marriage. In Scotland, the equivalent concept is a separation agreement (minute of agreement) and, less commonly, a judicial separation under the Divorce (Scotland) Act 1976. In Ireland, legal separation generally refers to a decree of judicial separation under the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act 1989, or to a separation agreement. Across all jurisdictions, legal separation clarifies ongoing rights and obligations, is often a precursor to divorce, and can have significant consequences for succession, pensions, tax and social welfare.

The Legal Services Board was created by the Legal Services Act 2007

This Panel provides independent advice to the Legal Services Board about the interests of users of legal services.

A court order providing for a party to make payment to their spouse/civil partner for their legal costs in proceedings for divorce/dissolution/judicial separation and in connected financial remedy proceedings (also known as an 'order in respect of legal services'). Such orders are not available in relation to proceedings under ChA 1989, Sch 1, I(PFD)A 1975 proceedings, and applications under MFPA 1984, Pt III.

Agenda item Supporting documentation (to be provided before or after meeting) Comment or action 1. Purpose of the meeting and objectivesState what you need from the meeting and why, eg: —ensure legal resource meets the needs of the organisation —understand the possibility of outsourcing some legal services or reducing spend on external legal support —assess history of use of external legal advisers (who, cost, quality etc) —be informed about the types and volumes of legal support the organisation will require in future [Insert

Agenda item Supporting documentation (to be provided before or after meeting) Comment or action 1. Purpose of the meeting and objectivesState what you need from the meeting and why, eg: —ensure legal resource meets the needs of the organisation —understand the possibility of outsourcing some legal services or reducing spend on external legal support —assess history of use of external legal advisers (who, cost, quality etc) —be informed about the types and volumes of legal support the organisation will require in future [Insert your initials] 2. Legal budgetAsk: —how much was spent

Agenda item Supporting documentation (to be provided before or after meeting) Comment or action 1. Purpose of the meeting and objectivesState what you need from the meeting and why, eg: —ensure legal resource meets the needs of the organisation —understand the possibility of outsourcing some legal services or reducing spend on external legal support —assess history of use of external legal advisers (who, cost, quality etc) —be informed about the types and volumes of legal support the organisation will require in future [Insert your initials] 2. Strategy and projectsAsk: —what changes have been made to the IT department over the past five years? —which legal advisers acted for the organisation on those changes, who appointed them, why were they chosen, who managed them and what did they advise on, eg contractual matters, infrastructure, licensing, support and maintenance

Agenda item Supporting documentation (to be provided before or after meeting) Comment or action 1. Purpose of the meeting and objectivesState what you need from the meeting and why, eg: —ensure legal resource meets the needs of the organisation —understand the possibility of outsourcing some legal services or reducing spend on external legal support —assess history of use of external legal advisers (who, cost, quality etc) —be informed about the types and volumes of legal support the organisation will require in future [Insert your initials] 2. Strategy and projects:Ask: —what changes have been made to the HR Department over the past five years? —which legal advisers acted on those changes, who appointed them, why were they chosen, who managed them and what did they advise on, eg legal, regulatory, PAYE, pensions etc? —is any change or restructuring anticipated in the next five years? —is

Agenda item Supporting documentation (to be provided before or after meeting) Comment or action 1. Purpose of the meeting and objectivesState what you need from the meeting and why, eg: —ensure legal resource meets the needs of the organisation —understand the possibility of outsourcing some legal services or reducing spend on external legal support —assess history of use of external legal advisers (who, cost, quality etc) —be informed about the types and volumes of legal support the organisation will require in future [Insert your initials] 2. Strategy and projects:Ask: —what changes have been made to the finance department over the past five years? —which legal advisers acted for the organisation on those changes, who appointed them, why were those advisers chosen, who managed them, what areas did they advise on, eg legal, tax etc? —is any change or restructuring anticipated in the next five years? —is any part of the finance function outsourced? —which legal advisers acted for

Agenda item Supporting documentation (to be provided before or after meeting) Comment or action 1. Purpose of the meeting and objectivesState what you need from the meeting and why, eg: —ensure legal resource meets the needs of the organisation —understand the possibility of outsourcing some legal services or reducing spend on external legal support —assess history of use of external legal advisers (who, cost, quality etc) —be informed about the types and volumes of legal support the organisation will require in future [Insert your initials] 2. Advice from regulatory bodiesAsk: —what trade/industry bodies does the Head of

Agenda item Supporting documentation (to be provided before or after meeting) Comment or action 1. Purpose of the meeting and objectivesState what you need from the meeting and why, eg: —ensure legal resource meets the needs of the organisation —understand the possibility of outsourcing some legal services or reducing spend on external legal support —assess history of use of external legal advisers (who, cost, quality etc) —be informed about the types and volumes of legal support the organisation will require in future [Insert your initials] 2. Strategy and projectsAsk: —what changes have been made to the procurement department over the past five years? —which legal advisers acted for the organisation on those changes, who appointed them, why were they chosen, who managed them and what did they advise on, eg contractual matters, purchase orders, terms and conditions, sourcing

Agenda item Supporting documentation (to be provided before or after meeting) Comment or action 1. Purpose of the meeting and objectivesState what you need from the meeting and why, eg: —ensure legal resource meets the needs of the organisation —understand the possibility of outsourcing some legal services or reducing spend on external legal support —assess history of use of external legal advisers (who, cost, quality etc) —be informed about the types and volumes of legal support the organisation will require in future [Insert your initials] 2. Strategy and projectsAsk: —what changes have been made to the Real Estate (RE) department over the past five years? —which legal advisers acted for the organisation on those changes, who appointed them, why were they chosen, who managed them and what did they advise on, eg contractual matters, leases, licenses, concession