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Family Law

Finances on Divorce

Jacqueline Major
Jacqueline Major
Partner
Manisha Raja
Manisha Raja
Partner
Vanessa Friend
Vanessa Friend
Partner
Abigail Neal
Abigail Neal
Paralegal
Hannah Yellop
Hannah Yellop
Associate
Jessica Wells
Jessica Wells
Paralegal
Uzmah Rasool
Uzmah Rasool
Associate

We understand the importance of dealing with the financial aspects of your divorce. Our experienced family lawyers can help you reach a financial settlement with minimal stress and expense.

There are many ways of resolving the finances on divorce, including solicitor-led negotiations, round table meetings and alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation and arbitration. In some cases it will be necessary to issue a court application. Whichever process you choose, our specialist solicitors will resolve your matter as efficiently, cost-effectively and amicably as possible.

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Our Family Law team have a broad range of experience, including cases with:

  • High net worth families with significant assets and multiple properties
  • Assets and income located abroad and/or a spouse based abroad
  • Trusts, nuptial settlements and pre-marital agreements (pre-nuptial/post-nuptial agreements)
  • High value or complicated pension schemes either in England & Wales or abroad
  • Family businesses and family-owned properties.

We can also advise on situations where:

  • One spouse hiding assets or income and failing to provide adequate disclosure
  • Urgent applications to prevent a spouse transferring or dissipating an asset to put it beyond the reach of the other spouse; and
  • Enforcement of financial orders on divorce.

"Jacqueline Major is in the top tier of family law solicitors. If I was getting divorced, I would want her on my team! She knows all the tricks and has the knack of knowing when to stand firm and when to negotiate. Clients love and respect her judgment and she is a fearsome opponent." - Legal 500, 2024

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What is a financial settlement?

The aim of a financial settlement is to divide the marital resources fairly so that each of you can move forwards independently as soon as possible, whilst being able to meet your income and housing needs and those of any children. What is “fair” will be based on your particular circumstances.

When you’re able to agree the terms of a financial settlement you’ll need to prepare a draft Consent Order setting out the agreement for the court’s approval. The sealed Order from the court will be a watertight document. If you can’t agree the terms voluntarily you may need to consider arbitration or a financial application to court.

The financial settlement will cover all of the financial claims arising at the end of a marriage, including claims relating to the division of assets, income, pensions, property and moveable items, such as cars, artwork and jewellery. It may also deal with maintenance for a spouse and/or children.

We recognise that every couple has different financial needs and priorities. We’ll take time to consider what’s important to you and get the best possible outcome.

Common terms include:

  • Whether the family home or additional properties will be sold or retained by one party
  • The division of any equity in any property
  • The division of any pensions to achieve either equality of income or capital on retirement
  • The division of any shares, investments or savings
  • Whether one party should pay spousal maintenance and/or child maintenance
  • The division of cars, artwork, jewellery and the contents of the family home, and any shareholding in a family company.

 

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What are the marital assets?

The “marital pot” includes all of the income and assets to which each party is entitled whether in England & Wales or anywhere in the world. It doesn’t matter in whose name the assets are registered or when they were purchased, even if this was before the marriage. The starting point is to include all of the assets before deciding on what a “fair” division is.

All financial settlements on divorce should be based on the exchange of full and frank financial disclosure. This is normally done by each party completing a Form E, which is the court’s disclosure document. We can assist you with the preparation and exchange of your Form E.

Contact our specialist team on
0808 271 9413
or request a call back.
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Financial applications on divorce

The court process begins when you issue a financial application. Upon receipt the court will give directions on progressing your case. This will include directing you and your spouse to exchange financial disclosure in a Form E.

A financial application usually involves three court hearings, as set out below. At the Final Hearing the judge will make an Order deciding the terms of a financial settlement. However, most parties settle between the first and second hearings or shortly afterwards. We will always aim to reach a negotiated settlement at the earliest opportunity even once proceedings have been issued.

Financial dispute resolution hearing

This is where a judge will review the information which has been given and encourage you and your spouse to consider whether you can reach an agreement. If this isn’t possible, the matter will continue to a Final Hearing.

Final hearing

A judge will consider all of the evidence, including witness statements and oral evidence from you and your spouse, and decide the terms of a financial order.

"I would like to take this opportunity to say thanks for all the work you have put into my case, and for dealing with great compassion and humanity."

First directions hearing

This is procedural hearing at which the court will decide what steps need to be taken in the case. This could include requesting you and your spouse to provide documentation, valuation evidence etc.

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"I had an excellent result due to my experienced solicitor and a great relief to me. I would absolutely recommend Hodge Jones & Allen to anyone seeking Solicitors advice."

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