Divorce is rarely just an emotional process. It is also one of the most significant financial events many people will face in their lifetime, and for some, the single biggest financial turning point they will ever experience. Over the past 37 years practising as a family solicitor in England and…
In brief When you split up and own a house together, your legal rights depend heavily on whether you are married or unmarried. Married couples both have a legal right to remain in the family home and the court has wide powers to divide property fairly under the Matrimonial Causes…
In brief Preparing for divorce is about more than paperwork, it means looking after your emotional wellbeing, understanding your financial position, and learning how the legal process works before you take the first formal step. This guide walks you through a practical checklist for divorce preparation in the UK, covering…
In brief A clean break order is a type of financial court order that permanently severs all financial ties between former spouses after divorce. Once approved by a judge, neither party can make any further financial claims against the other – no matter how their circumstances change in the future….
In brief When a marriage breaks down, household bills still need to be paid. As a general rule, both spouses remain responsible for the financial commitments they had during the marriage, including the mortgage, utility bills, and council tax, until a formal financial settlement is made by the court. A…
In brief There is no fixed formula for what you will receive in a divorce settlement. The court’s starting point is a broadly equal division of matrimonial assets, but the final outcome depends on the specific circumstances of your marriage. Under Section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, the…
Some FAQs for this blog post Get advice Dealing with divorce proceedings The legal process of securing a divorce can seem daunting. Even small mistakes can hold up your divorce or end up costing you extra, so it is sensible to seek expert divorce advice to make sure your divorce…
If you have been separated from your spouse for several years, you may be wondering whether the length of time apart affects your financial rights. The short answer is no, under current English and Welsh law, the court does not base financial settlements on how long you have been separated. Before…
Over the past decade, amicable divorce has increasingly become the preferred way for separating couples to resolve matters. The concept is attractive: cooperative, cost-effective, and forward-looking. In many cases, an amicable divorce or mediated settlement works extremely well and helps families avoid unnecessary conflict and court proceedings. However, practitioners are increasingly seeing disputes emerge…
Your ex-spouse can potentially claim a share of your pension even decades after your divorce. There is no automatic time limit on pension claims unless a legally binding financial settlement, such as a consent order, is made during the divorce to formally end all financial ties, including pension rights. To protect yourself from…
If you are going through a separation or divorce, it’s completely understandable to feel unsure about your rights, especially when it comes to your home. Many people fear losing the family home or being pressured to leave, even when they have lived there for years. If your spouse has said…
Financial infidelity happens when one partner hides, lies about, or secretly controls money within a relationship. It could be as simple as keeping a secret bank account, or as serious as hiding assets during divorce proceedings. In today’s world, where digital banking makes managing money easier than ever, financial infidelity…
