Financial Settlements

When a marriage or relationship breaks down there are often financial issues to sort out.  It is not always easy to resolve these without specialist advice and help.

A couple may own a house or have a business and either or both may have pensions.  There may be a need for ongoing financial support for one party, as well as for the children.

We are family law specialists and members of Resolution – first for family law.  They have a code of practice to which we subscribe (www.resolution.org.uk).   Members of Resolution commit family lawyers to resolving disputes in a non-confrontational way.  We believe that family law disputes should be dealt with in a constructive way designed to preserve people’s dignity and to encourage agreement.

Our approach is to help you do what is best for you and your family and to advise on all the options available to you.  This includes, not only the traditional approach where the Courts are involved, but we also encourage and provide a Collaborative Law service.

Our family team have a sensitive and professional approach to clients’ needs and are committed to helping find the best solution.  We would also advise you if specialist pension reports are needed and on valuation issues, for example, property or businesses.

Most couples reach an agreement with the help and advice from their lawyer and we can then prepare a Deed of Separation if there are no current divorce proceedings.  If there is a divorce we will prepare a Consent Order setting out the financial settlement terms.  This is a legally binding document that is then signed and sent to the Court for sealing.  It ensures that there are no further financial claims by either party in the future, and provides peace of mind.

In a small minority of cases, it may be necessary to apply to Court if an agreement cannot be reached.  Usually, mediation will have to be attempted before an application can be made to court.  We will advise you should it be necessary to make an application to Court and will support and represent you through these proceedings.  If you would like more detail about the Court process please click here for our downloadable leaflet.