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…
Form E is a mandatory 30-page financial statement used in UK divorce proceedings to disclose assets, income, liabilities, and pensions. Both parties must complete it when applying to the court for a financial order, providing “full and frank disclosure” to determine a fair financial settlement. Whilst the form is daunting at…
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…
There appears to be more and more people dealing with their own divorce without first seeking advice from a family lawyer. A 2013 YouGov survey showed that 26% of people involved in divorce had taken the DIY route, with younger people and those in London far more likely to take…
On 11th May 2015 The Supreme Court allowed the latest appeal in the case of Wyatt v Vince. The case hit the headlines as it allows the wife to make a financial claim against her, now wealthy husband, 18 years after they divorced. “So what?” I hear you say. What…
As a divorce solicitor I speak daily to people who have already or are about to separate. For the vast majority their anxieties rest around their financial position. They want to get everything sorted financially and the last thing they want to discuss or even think about is taking what…
Gordon Gecko said in the film Wall Street “The point is, ladies and gentleman, that greed – for lack of a better word – is good.” I’m not sure I agree wholeheartedly with that sentiment but it does make me think about my role as a family law solicitor and…
Agreeing the content of a divorce settlement can often be a challenge and it’s our job as family law solicitors to make sure that our clients come to a financial agreement that serves their interests and is agreed by the other party. To do this it’s important to have full…
