When I take a call from someone who is separating or getting a divorce one of the first concerns they have is does it matter that the family home is not jointly owned? Women in particular, who may not have had much involvement in the marital finances, can feel quite…
As a family law solicitor for almost 30 years the most common question I am asked when I first speak to a client is “Will I lose my family home?” Clearly this is one of the most pressing concerns for people when it comes to separation and divorce and that…
Divorcing couples often find reaching a financial settlement the most challenging part of the divorce process. And sometimes this is because they really don’t know where to start. Well-meaning advice from friends, misconceptions from the media and personal beliefs of what is ‘right’ and ‘fair’ can get in the way…
Well, the case finally is settled. In court last week, we got a conclusion to the long-running Wyatt v Vince financial award case. You may remember that we blogged on this last year (Vince v Wyatt case shows consent orders are essential). And it is a perfect example of the…
‘Divorce mortgages’ hit the headlines in recent weeks as banks and mortgage lenders put forward ideas for new ways a divorcing couple may be able to borrow money to “buy-out” the other and hold on to the family home themselves. A so called “divorce mortgage” is an innovative idea on…
The current State Pension changes from 6 April 2016 and there will no longer be a basic state pension with additional state pension (ASP) elements, but one single tier flat rate pension payable to a person with 35 years of national insurance contributions. Pensionable ages remain as before (subject to…
The radical changes to the rules regarding the use of pension funds to buy annuity policies – described by some as a “pensions revolution” – were at the forefront of the new Governments’ budget announcements in March 2014. Under these new rules, since April 2015 pensioners are no longer as…
If you are facing the prospect of a divorce or separation one area that is likely to be of considerable concern to you is the financial side of things. In short are you going to be able to manage independently from your ex? So, what are the top 5 financial…
As a divorce and family lawyer whenever a new client approaches me for advice on reaching a divorce settlement with their ex I find myself reminding them what a valuable asset a pension is. A pension is often the second most valuable asset anyone will ever hold (next to their…
A Form E is the compulsory document you are required to fill out if you are making a formal application to the court to sort out financial arrangements during a divorce. Whilst the form is daunting at first glance, most people are able to tackle it. I always suggest that…
Getting divorced quickly is often seen as a plus, but not if you fail to sort out the finances as this case study shows. As family law solicitors we deal with people is some very upsetting stages of their life. Divorce itself can be very difficult for many, from an…
The most recent ONS data on marriage and divorce revealed a fact as divorce lawyers we are all too aware of – divorce is on the up, and the increase is being driven by a rise in divorce amongst older people. Whilst the increase in overall divorce rates might be…