Even if you have kept your finances separate during your marriage or civil partnership, you will still need to reach a formal financial settlement when you divorce. We are here to help you handle the division of assets including property and pensions as successfully as possible.
Slater and Gordon's experienced divorce lawyers have the understanding and the expertise you need. Call us now on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online today and we will call you.
Do I have to reach a divorce financial settlement?
It is not absolutely necessary to reach an agreement. However, if you do not reach an agreement, this means your spouse or partner could try and make a financial claim against you in the future. We always recommend that you reach an agreement and have a Consent Order in place, even if you don't share assets like pensions or savings.
Why does the law make me get a divorce financial settlement?
While some married couples or civil partners earn the same income and contribute equally to household expenses, that isn't always the case. For example, if one partner has stayed at home to raise the children, they will have contributed less in a financial sense, but will still deserve to share a portion of the assets of the marriage. For this reason, it's important to agree a financial settlement and have it recorded in a Consent Order.
Do I need a Consent Order if our settlement is amicable?
While it's always best if you and your spouse or civil partner can reach an amicable agreement, to make your agreement legally binding - you still need to obtain a Consent Order from the court. This is because in the first instance the court has to ensure that the settlement is reasonable, and that one party isn't being treated unfairly. The Consent Order also ensures that both parties have to keep to their agreement; protecting you from the other party reneging on an agreement
What if we can't agree a divorce financial settlement?
In cases where you and your spouse or civil partner can't agree on a fair division of assets or arrangements for continued financial support, our expert lawyers will suggest mediation, to help you agree a deal. Where this still doesn't lead to a divorce financial settlement being agreed, you will have to apply to the court to put a settlement in place, which involves assessing factors such as:
Your respective ages
Your future earnings potential
How much property and cash you both own
Whether you were the breadwinner or a stay-at-home parent
It's also important to bear in mind that the court will always put the interests of any children first when making a ruling on a divorce financial settlement, as the court will wish to ensure that proper housing and financial support are available to them after their parents divorce.
Will my pension become part of our divorce financial settlement?
All of the assets of a marriage, including money, property and pension funds, have to be taken into account when considering a divorce financial settlement, particularly when one partner has been able to amass a considerable fund, while the other party has very little in the way of a pension - this ensures that all assets are divided fairly.
Why choose Slater and Gordon divorce experts?
Even the most amicable divorces can be fraught with worry and uncertainty; and you both need to be able to carry on with your lives once the marriage has legally ended.
Our divorce specialists have the experience and the understanding you need to help you deal with this difficult time in your life and to reach a fair and equitable divorce financial settlement. We offer an initial consultation for just £150. Call us now on 0330 041 5869 or request a call back.
The best solicitors to fight your corner! I struggled with a nasty unmarried couple dispute alone for over a year before biting the bullet and paying for proper legal support. I had one previous experience with a cheaper less well known solicitor and I just felt completely let down and not a priority. But with S&G - from start to finish, I felt supported 100% and valued.
B L (family and personal matters case)
Matters were dealt with efficiently with a view to keeping costs to a realistic level and I am well satisfied with the final settlement she managed to achieve on my behalf.
J B (family and personal matters case)
For anyone needing help with family issues I could not recommend Slater and Gordon highly enough. I always had the feeling I had the best looking after my interests and they certainly didn't disappoint.
C I (family and personal matters case)
The best solicitors to fight your corner! I struggled with a nasty unmarried couple dispute alone for over a year before biting the bullet and paying for proper legal support. I had one previous experience with a cheaper less well known solicitor and I just felt completely let down and not a priority. But with S&G - from start to finish, I felt supported 100% and valued. B L (family and personal matters case)