Married Family Finances

Protecting your financial future
during family law disputes

Our team of specialist family lawyers have extensive experience in the division of assets, finances, and wealth following divorce or separation. We provide clear, tailored advice to help you understand your rights and ensure you receive a fair and appropriate financial settlement which supports your future income, stability, and housing needs.

We work with clients from a diverse range of financial backgrounds, from high-net-worth individuals with complex asset portfolios including property, businesses, pensions, or inherited wealth, to those with fewer assets who want to ensure future financial protection against potential claims.

We will always seek to resolve financial matters arising from divorce or relationship breakdown through amicable agreement wherever possible. This is especially important where children are involved, as cooperation between parents can significantly benefit children’s future wellbeing. Where appropriate, we will support our clients with alternative dispute resolution such as mediation or arbitration to help resolve issues constructively, efficiently and avoid the cost and stress of litigation. However, if court intervention becomes necessary, our team is known for its robust representation and strategic approach.

What if there are no assets?

A divorce does not automatically sever the financial relationship between spouses. Even after the divorce is finalised, both parties retain the legal right to make financial claims against one another. This is true even when there are no significant assets involved.

To prevent future disputes, couples often agree to a ‘Clean Break Order’, which ensures that neither party can make a financial claim against the other in future. We can prepare all necessary legal documents and arrange for the Order to be approved by the court.

What if there are assets to divide?

If there are assets to consider, we will provide advice on what constitutes a fair and reasonable financial settlement. The law generally supports the sharing of marital assets, which may include the family home, pensions, savings, investments, and other jointly held property.

Every case is different, and we will provide personalised legal advice based on your particular circumstances.

What should I consider?

The first consideration is always the welfare and needs of any children involved. We will assess factors such as each party’s income, earning capacity, housing needs, age, and contributions to the family.

The financial aspects of divorce can be legally complex, with courts having broad discretion to achieve fairness. Whether your case involves property division, family businesses, or inherited assets, our legal team will guide you through the best options to reach a suitable outcome.

In shorter marriages, it may be appropriate to restore each party to their pre-marital financial position. In longer marriages, the default starting point is usually equal division, though this may be adjusted depending on needs and circumstances.

What are the legal costs involved?

We believe in cost transparency. From the beginning, we will explain the likely fees involved. In many cases, we offer fixed-fee services for specific stages of work, giving you peace of mind and control over your budget.
If the matter progresses to court, we will keep you fully informed and provide detailed estimates for each stage of work. During proceedings, where appropriate we will continue to focus on achieving an out of court resolution in order to reduce overall fees and delay.

This page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for independent legal advice.

Speak to a Family Law Solicitor Today

Due to the sensitive nature of family matters choosing the right solicitor for your matter is essential. We therefore offer a free initial telephone consultation so you can find out more about our services and decide if we are the right fit for you. If you would like to set up a free initial call, please complete the contact form here and a member of the team will be in touch.

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Looking for legal support? Get in touch with our solicitors, and we’ll connect you with the right expertise to meet your specific needs through our trusted legal team and professional partners.

FAQ Topics

Do we need a formal financial agreement if we’ve already agreed on how to split our assets?

Yes. Even if both parties are amicable and agree on how to divide assets, it’s essential to formalise the agreement through a court-approved Consent Order or Clean Break Order. This ensures that neither party can make future financial claims, providing long-term legal protection and peace of mind.

What happens to the family home during a divorce?

The treatment of the family home depends on several factors, including whether there are children involved, the length of the marriage, and each party’s financial needs. Options may include selling the home, one party buying out the other, or transferring ownership. Our solicitors can guide you through the best approach based on your specific circumstances.

Will I have to share my pension during divorce?

Pensions are considered part of the matrimonial assets and may be subject to division. This can include pension sharing, offsetting, or earmarking orders. We’ll explain your options clearly and help you protect your financial future.

Can I protect future income or assets after the divorce is finalised?

Yes. A Clean Break Order can be used to legally sever all future financial ties, meaning neither party can make further claims. This is especially useful when one party expects future earnings or inheritance and wants legal certainty going forward.

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