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Securing your financial future after divorce

Ending a marriage can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to untangling finances. A fair and legally binding financial settlement ensures clarity and security for your future. Our expert solicitors are here to guide you through every step, providing the specialist advice and support you need.

Our family law team consists of expert financial remedy lawyers dedicated to providing legal advice for resolving all financial issues arising from the breakdown of a marriage.

Key contact

Victoria Cannon

Partner

Throughout her career spanning over 19 years in family law, Victoria Cannon has amassed extensive experience in advising business owners on safeguarding their enterprises during divorce proceedings and minimising disruption to their business.

Our services

We offer comprehensive support in addressing financial settlements through:

  • Mediation: We are highly experienced in resolving financial disputes where parties have attended mediation. We assist clients in reaching amicable agreements without court intervention.
  • Court Applications: If mediation is not possible, has failed, or if progress cannot be made through solicitors and correspondence, we may advise you to issue a Financial Remedy application in court. Our specialist family lawyers will guide you through the court process, ensuring you achieve the best possible outcome for yourself and your family.

Making your settlement legally binding

Even if you and your ex-spouse agree on financial terms, a legally binding financial consent order is essential. This document, approved by the court, ensures that both parties adhere to the agreed terms and provides long-term financial certainty.

If an agreement cannot be reached, an application for a financial order may be necessary. This could include:

  • Lump sum payments
  • Property adjustments or transfers
  • Pension sharing arrangements
  • Periodical maintenance payments

Our solicitors will guide you through the best approach for your case, whether it involves negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings.

Expertise in complex financial claims

Our nationally renowned divorce solicitors have decades of experience handling complex financial settlements and achieving the best outcomes for our clients. We provide a tailored, personal service, ensuring you feel informed and supported at every stage.

We specialise in handling complex financial claims, including those involving:

  • High-profile individuals
  • Business and company assets
  • Trusts and foreign assets
  • Celebrity divorces
  • Professional athletes

Why choose us?

  • Expert guidance: Our specialist lawyers provide expert legal support throughout the process, from mediation to court proceedings.
  • Personalised service: We tailor our services to meet your specific needs, ensuring an effective resolution of financial disputes.
  • Successful outcomes: Our track record demonstrates our commitment to securing the best possible results for our clients and their families.

How we work with our clients

To secure the best divorce financial settlement for you, we strongly advise seeking early legal advice.

  • Initial consultation: We offer a complimentary consultation to establish your position, aims, and how we can assist you. Contact us to schedule your consultation.
  • Gathering information: Once ready to proceed, we will collect full details of all parties involved, including information about any children.
  • Meeting: We will arrange a meeting in person or via Microsoft Teams, as per your preference, to discuss available options, including mediation.
  • Resolution: Our goal is to resolve matters amicably without court intervention. However, if proceedings become necessary, we are experienced in preparing and representing clients effectively.

If you are going through a divorce and need expert guidance on financial settlements, contact us today for a free initial consultation.

Your questions answered

A divorce financial settlement refers to the legal agreement that determines how assets and finances are divided following a divorce. Many assume that obtaining a divorce automatically resolves financial matters, but this is not the case. If financial settlements are not reached, one party may still make financial claims in the future, even after divorce.

In England and Wales, financial claims can still be made post-divorce. There are no time limits on these claims, but remarriage could prevent you from finalising your claims in the future.

A fair financial settlement requires full disclosure of all assets, including:

  • Properties and businesses
  • Pensions, savings, and investments
  • Income and financial commitments
  • Personal belongings
  • Child and spousal maintenance payments

Unresolved financial matters can impact you later in life. It is recommended to reach an agreement before either party remarries.

To obtain a financial settlement, you need to be at the conditional stage of divorce proceedings. In most cases, an agreement can be reached during the divorce process. Once agreed, the court will approve the settlement in a legally binding consent order. If any party fails to comply, an application can be made to enforce the order.

A judge has the final decision on how assets are divided, considering factors such as:

  • Duration of the marriage or civil partnership
  • Age of both parties
  • Current and future earning potential
  • Property and savings accumulated during the marriage
  • Standard of living
  • Roles within the marriage or civil partnership
  • Pension provisions

The court ensures a fair division while considering the needs of both parties, including housing arrangements for any children involved.

Transparency is essential during divorce proceedings. Many out-of-court resolution processes rely on full cooperation and accurate financial disclosure.

If you suspect your partner is hiding assets or withholding financial information, you are entitled to request full documentation of all financial commitments, including:

  • Bank accounts
  • Investments
  • Credit card statements

Our expert family lawyers have extensive experience in identifying financial irregularities and providing guidance on addressing these issues.

The timeframe varies based on factors such as asset complexity, pension provisions, and the level of cooperation from your partner.

Most cases settle out of court within six months. However, if court proceedings are required, the process may take between six months and two years.

If you and your partner have children, you should try to reach an agreement on living arrangements and financial contributions for their care.

This can be addressed alongside the financial settlement. If an agreement cannot be reached, mediation may be beneficial. Any arrangements for children can be included in the financial settlement or dealt with separately. If an agreement is reached on one aspect but not another, the disputed issue can be taken to court if necessary.

Yes, but it is not recommended. Without a financial settlement, your ex-partner may make financial claims against you in the future. In England and Wales, there are no time limits on these claims after a divorce is completed but there are restrictions if parties remarry in making applications.

The only way to prevent future claims is to obtain a financial settlement approved by the court and signed by a judge.

Related services

Hugh James independent financial advisers Trusts Wills by Hugh James Divorce solicitors Military divorce solicitors

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