When a relationship breaks down, there are inevitably financial consequences.

When a couple separates or divorces, a single household has to become two. Budgets may not be met by available income and resources. There is usually a way forward through compromise and sensible planning. We can help with that.

Our specialists handle complex financial settlements including asset division, pension arrangements, property matters, business division and income needs. We will ensure that both your short- and long-term financial security is looked after, whilst aiming to minimise your emotional distress. Our advisers, Justine Lowe and Ian Stirzaker, are members of Resolution, a professional body for family law practitioners. They're committed to following a non-confrontational approach throughout, with the aim of reducing emotional turmoil and making the transition and separation easier.

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Feeling uncertain about what to do next?

We understand that this can be challenging and our experts are here to support you. Our diagnostics tools will help you to identify whether you're prepared for the divorce or separation process. We also offer a one hour no-obligation initial meeting at £150.00 + VAT. We know how hard it can be to take the first step, so we promise to make it as easy as possible for you.

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What financial factors do I need to consider?

Financial arrangements during divorce require careful planning and legal guidance. Our family law specialists will help you navigate the process from initial financial disclosure through to final settlement orders, ensuring your interests are protected throughout.

For unmarried couples, while there is no automatic financial entitlement upon separation, you can still benefit from expert legal advice regarding property rights, shared assets and financial arrangements. Our team can help to establish legally binding agreements to protect your financial position, as cohabiting couples don't receive the same legal protections as married couples.

We can support you with:

  • An Initial Financial Assessment
  • Property and Housing Arrangements
  • Pension and Retirement Planning
  • Child Maintenance Arrangements
  • Spousal Maintenance
  • Business and Investment Assets
  • Tax Planning and Implications
  • Debt Management and Division
  • Financial Disclosure
  • Negotiation and Settlement

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Why choose our Family Law team?

Seeking expert legal advice is crucial at this time. Many aspects of family law are complex and emotionally challenging. You can be sure that we are acting in line with the Resolution standards, which means adopting a practical, non-confrontational approach to situations.

We use our experience with Resolution, as Mediators and from other areas of the law to assist you through the process. We will ensure that you are properly advised to enable you to make the right decisions and an outcome you can rebuild from.

We aim to provide you with prompt, expert advice throughout your case. During our initial meeting, we'll discuss our funding approach and our service quality guarantee.

Our goal is to achieve a fair outcome while minimising conflict and emotional distress. We also offer support through mediation or alternative dispute resolution methods, which are often less adversarial than court proceedings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

There is no one size fits all formula. The welfare of any children of the family is the first consideration. The courts then apply a checklist of factors including financial needs, resources and obligations, length of marriage and standard of living during the marriage to reach an outcome aiming at equality. It is important to understand that equal treatment of need does not always mean a 50/50 split.

You'll need to give “full and frank” disclosure of your financial position. Typically this will mean bank statements, investment accounts, pension statements, property valuations, mortgage details, loan agreements, credit card statements, tax returns, payslips, and business accounts where applicable.

Future earnings after divorce are generally not subject to division unless there's a spousal maintenance order. Inheritances received during marriage are not always but can be considered matrimonial assets, while post-divorce inheritances typically remain separate property unless there are exceptional circumstances or ongoing financial claims.

Legal liability to the creditor is not affected by divorce. This means that unless the creditor agrees otherwise joint debts remain the legal responsibility of both parties regardless of who is ordered or agreed to pay them in the divorce settlement. It's advisable to close joint accounts and separate finances where possible.

Businesses are typically considered matrimonial assets but they are rarely ordered to be sold. More usually after valuation one spouse buys out the other's interest - commonly by offset against other assets. Sometimes business valuations from independent experts are required to determine fair value and crucially liquidity in order to release funds.

Earning capacity is the crucial factor. Spousal maintenance depends on such things as income disparity, marriage duration, standard of living during marriage, and each party's needs and earning capacity. Fixed term orders are more common these days although courts do still have power to make long term orders. Courts increasingly favour clean break settlements without maintenance where financially viable.

Don't delay - get on with it. Seeking early legal advice, gathering comprehensive financial documentation, being transparent about assets, considering mediation for settlement, obtaining professional valuations of significant assets, and considering tax implications of potential settlements can all help protect your financial interests during divorce.

In an uncontested divorce, parties should begin discussing finances whilst awaiting their conditional order. The divorce process takes approximately 26 weeks from start to finish, during which you should be negotiating on your financial order.

However, financial matters often take longer to resolve due to:

  • Disclosure requirements: gathering financial information, particularly pension details, can be time-consuming. Sometimes, it can take longer for third parties such as pension schemes to provide all the necessary information.
  • Negotiation delays: parties require time to consider options and may adjust their positions during discussions.

In reasonably amicable cases with cooperation from both parties, allow yourself a minimum of 6 months, but expect the process to take 9 to 12 months on average.

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In an uncontested divorce, parties should begin discussing finances whilst awaiting their conditional order. The divorce process takes approximately 26 weeks from start to finish, during which you should be negotiating on your financial order.

However, financial matters often take longer to resolve due to:

  • Disclosure requirements: gathering financial information, particularly pension details, can be time-consuming. Sometimes, it can take longer for third parties such as pension schemes to provide all the necessary information.
  • Negotiation delays: parties require time to consider options and may adjust their positions during discussions.

In reasonably amicable cases with cooperation from both parties, allow yourself a minimum of 6 months, but expect the process to take 9 to 12 months on average.

Book consultation   Complete diagnostic

News & insights

Stay informed with the latest insights from our team, including case studies and legislation updates.

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