Family Law Blog

Guidance and advice on divorce, separation, and family law matters

Am I entitled to spousal maintenance?

Am I entitled to spousal maintenance

In brief Spousal maintenance is financial support paid by one spouse to the other after a marriage ends. It is not an automatic entitlement. Whether you can claim spousal maintenance depends on your financial needs, your ability to support yourself, and your former spouse’s ability to pay. The court considers…

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Does my husband have to pay the bills until we are divorced in the UK?

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…

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Divorce advice and tips for men and dads in the UK

Divorce Tips for Men | Divorce Tips for Dads

In brief Going through a divorce is one of the most stressful experiences anyone can face, and men often feel unsure where to turn for guidance. The good news is that the law in England and Wales does not favour one gender over the other. Men have the same legal…

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How to tell your husband or wife you want a divorce: a solicitor’s guide (2026)

Divorce - telling your spouse

In brief Choose a private, calm moment, ideally when children are not present, and be direct but compassionate. Use “I” statements rather than blame, and be prepared for a range of emotional reactions. It helps to speak to a solicitor before the conversation so you understand your rights and options….

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What am I entitled to in a divorce? (2026 guide)

What am I entitled to in a divorce settlement

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…

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Can a consent order be changed?

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…

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Financial settlement after 5 years of separation

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…

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Amicable divorce: how proper structure prevents future disputes

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…

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What is an occupation order in the UK?

Victims of domestic abuse often report that they no longer feel safe in the comfort of their own home. Living with fear, control and violence can be overwhelming and deeply distressing. While one option may be to leave the family home, this is not always straightforward, particularly where children are…

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What were the highest divorce rates by country in 2025?

Divorce rates vary widely around the world. Some countries report unusually high numbers of divorces per 1,000 people each year, while others maintain very low figures, often reflecting cultural norms, legal systems, social attitudes and family structures. While this article is framed around 2025, most global divorce statistics are published with…

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When to walk away from a sexless marriage

Many couples experience periods where intimacy fades, especially during stressful life events such as having children, health problems, or work pressures. However, when a marriage becomes sexless for a long period of time, it can raise serious questions about the future of the relationship. If you are in this situation…

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How long can my ex-spouse claim my pension after divorce?

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…

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