Local call rate 0330 056 3171
0330 056 3171

Whilst the legal process for the divorce itself is standard, agreeing your finances can be the most challenging part of separation and divorce.

If your financial position is complicated, separating your finances and reaching an agreement is likely to need more professional input and support especially if:

  • One (or both) of you owns a business
  • One of you depends financially on the other
  • One of you does not agree to the divorce or dissolution
  • You have children who still financially depend on you
  • You have been married or in a civil partnership for more than five years
  • One of you has a medical problem or disability that affects your ability to earn an income
  • One of you has given up work to bring up your children, which affects your ability to earn an income
  • One of you has more assets than the other (for example, the house is in one person’s name, or one of you has built up a much bigger pension than the other)

The first step is to work with your Lawyer to identify the right process for you and your ex-partner to come to an agreement and your assets, home and ongoing maintenance. There are many options available and you may use one route or a combination of these depending how the conversations progress:

  • Agreeing arrangements with your ex-partner asking your lawyer to make the agreement legally binding
  • Use the Mediation process to come to agreement
  • Use a Collaborative Law process
  • Use an Arbitrator to decide for you out of court
  • Ask your lawyer to negotiate with your partner for you to get to an agreement
  • Go to court to ask a judge to make a decision

At Stowe we can support you through the process and use our expertise to help you make the right decision based on your specific needs.

Going to court to agree finances

Depending on your situation your lawyer may recommend starting court proceedings while trying to negotiate a settlement at the same time. This can sometimes save time and help to avoid delay. Your solicitor will discuss this with you first, as it is very much your choice.
Court proceedings are usually used if :

  • Your spouse is not giving you all the financial information you need to make a decision
  • There is no hope of negotiating a financial settlement after divorce which is fair
  • There are complex financial issues that you need a divorce court to help you sort out
  • There is domestic violence – or the threat of it
  • There is an international element: if divorce proceedings may be started in another country, it may be necessary to issue divorce proceedings immediately in England or Wales
Stowe Testimonials
“
”
Contact Stowe Family Law
0330 056 3171