The Separation Companion

Practical, calm and organised support through divorce and separation in Essex, Suffolk and across England and Wales.

The Separation Companion was founded by Katherine Waterhouse to provide practical, calm and organised support for anyone navigating divorce and separation — from someone who understands it as both a child of divorce and a divorcee herself.

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Communication Support

Drafting correspondence, responding to proposals, and navigating difficult conversations.

Emotional Support

A calm, non-judgemental presence when everything feels overwhelming and you're not sure where to turn.

Financial Remedy Proceedings

Help preparing documentation, understanding the process, and organising your case effectively.

McKenzie Friend Support

Attend court hearings with you as a McKenzie Friend, providing calm, practical support in the room.

Communication support Co-parenting arrangements Financial remedy Court form guidance McKenzie Friend Essex & Suffolk Mediation preparation Separation admin

Free resources

Not sure where to start?
Start here.

Practical, plain-English guides written from lived experience. Free to download — just tell us where to send them.

Free guide

The Separation Survival Guide

Where to begin when everything feels impossible. Practical steps, the emotional reality, and what actually matters in the early days.

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Free checklist

Your First 30 Days

A clear, manageable checklist for the first month. Know what needs to happen, what can wait, and what to focus on when you can't think straight.

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Free template

Co-Parenting Communication Plan

A practical template to help you and your ex communicate about your children without conflict. Handovers, holidays, decisions — all covered.

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Credentials & professional standards

Enhanced DBS checkedChild & adult workforces, barred list check

Safeguarding Level 4Highest non-statutory level

Mental Health First AiderNationally recognised qualification

Professionally insuredFull professional indemnity

ICO registeredUK GDPR compliant

McKenzie Friend practitionerPractising court support specialist

Why The Separation Companion?

Created from lived
experience

Katherine Waterhouse experienced the impact of divorce first as a child, watching her parents go through a traumatic separation, and later as a divorcee herself, navigating co-parenting, mediation, financial remedy proceedings and court.

The Separation Companion exists because that experience, from both sides, is rare, and genuinely useful. Practical, calm support for others on the same path, including those who want to manage parts of the journey without costly legal representation at every stage.

Read My Story

"You don't have to do this alone. With the right support, it is possible to navigate the process calmly, clearly, and with your wellbeing, and your children's, at the centre."

— Katherine Waterhouse

What I can help with

Support at every stage

Whether you're at the beginning of the process or deep into proceedings, support is available wherever you need it most.

Co-parenting Arrangements

Practical help with parenting plans, communication frameworks and arrangements that work for your family.

Communication Support

Drafting letters, emails and responses, keeping communication clear, calm and constructive.

Separation Admin & Organisation

Bringing order to the paperwork: timelines, document management and keeping everything on track.

Mediation & Court Preparation

Preparing you for mediation sessions and court hearings: paperwork, documentation and what to expect.

Financial Remedy Proceedings

Support with Forms E, financial statements, understanding proposals and preparing your position.

McKenzie Friend Support

Attend court hearings with you, taking notes, offering quiet guidance, and keeping you calm and focused.

Court Forms & Consent Orders

Step-by-step guidance completing court forms and understanding consent order drafts.

Emotional Support

Compassionate, non-judgemental support at a time when many people feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn.

Getting started

How it works

Book a free call

A no-obligation 20-minute call to talk through where you are in the process and what kind of support would be most useful.

Agree a support plan

Together we'll identify the areas where you need the most help and put together a clear, flexible plan that works for you.

Move forward, together

Practical, ongoing support, in person where possible or via phone and video, so you never feel alone in the process.

"I didn't know where to start. Having someone who had been through it and come out the other side, who could explain the forms, the process, what to expect, made the whole thing feel manageable for the first time."
— Sarah, Essex

Ready to take the first step?