Divorce Financial Settlement Solicitors

Why Is a Good Financial Settlement So Important?

When separating from your spouse, ensuring a fair financial settlement is essential for securing your future well-being. At HM & Co. Solicitors, we aim to make the legal side easier to understand by cutting through the jargon and providing an accurate picture of your financial position.

Our specialist divorce lawyers, supported by our in-house accountants and an extensive network of financial experts, can guide you through the entire process with care, giving you the clarity needed to make well-informed decisions both now and in the future.

FAQs: Financial Settlements in Divorce

1. What does a financial settlement cover?

A financial settlement resolves any monetary and property matters once your marriage is over, ensuring both parties’ needs are met. It can include:

  • Money: Savings, investments, and life insurance
  • Property: The family home and any individually owned properties
  • Household Contents
  • Cars
  • Pensions
  • Businesses
  • Personal Items (items worth over £500 must be disclosed)
  • Debts & Loans (credit cards, mortgages, personal loans)

Couples can reach an agreement in various ways: directly between themselves (with a solicitor drafting a legally binding consent order), through mediation, or, if necessary, via court hearings.

2. How are finances typically split in a divorce?

Under English and Welsh law, financial divisions aim for fairness and address each spouse’s needs. Key considerations include:

  • Each party’s financial needs and responsibilities
  • The length of the marriage
  • The standard of living during the marriage
  • Contributions (financial and non-financial, such as childcare)
  • Any special needs (e.g., health issues or ongoing childcare)

Settlements may involve distributing assets like property, savings, pensions, and investments, as well as negotiating ongoing financial support (e.g., spousal maintenance) where appropriate.

Next Steps

If you need guidance on navigating the complexities of a financial settlement, HM & Co. Solicitors is here to help. We have offices throughout England and Wales, meaning you can access our specialist family team close to home.

HM & Co. Solicitors
186 Lower Road
Surrey Quays
London SE16 2UN

Telephone: 02071128180
Email: info@hmsolicitorsltd.com

Our experienced divorce solicitors are dedicated to securing a settlement that meets your needs—today and for years to come.

Your Questions, Answered

FAQs

FAQs About Divorce Financial Settlements

How long do divorce financial settlements take?

Financial settlements can range from a few months to well over a year, depending on factors like:

  • The complexity of the assets involved (e.g. high-value properties or multiple pensions).
  • Whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.
  • How quickly you and your spouse can come to an agreement, potentially with the help of solicitors, mediation, or court proceedings.

Where couples easily agree on finances, the settlement may be concluded relatively quickly. However, high-conflict cases or those involving substantial assets can sometimes extend over several months or even years.

 

What happens to finances during a divorce?

During divorce, the law aims to ensure a fair and reasonable division of the couple’s finances. This typically involves:

  1. Financial Disclosure
    Both parties provide detailed accounts of their assets, liabilities, income, and expenditure.
  2. Identification of Marital Assets
    Property or investments acquired during the marriage are considered part of the ‘marital pot’ and are subject to division.
  3. Debts and Liabilities
    Any debts accrued jointly during the marriage may also need to be divided or allocated.
  4. Negotiation or Court Proceedings
    Couples can negotiate arrangements themselves, often with guidance from solicitors or through mediation. If no agreement can be reached, the court decides based on fairness and each party’s needs (including those of any dependent children).

The objective is to achieve a financial settlement that meets everyone’s needs as fully as possible, taking into account all relevant circumstances.

<< 1 >>


Services

Our Financial Services

Testimonials

What Our Clients Are Saying

Get Started with Confidence

Book Appointment

January 2025
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
30
31
1
2
3
6
7
8
9
10
13
14
15
16
17
20
21
22
23
24
27
28
29
30
31
Insights & Advice

Latest Blog Posts