Financial Settlements

Resolving Financial Matters Fairly and Effectively During Divorce

 

Financial disputes are among the most challenging aspects of separation or divorce. Securing a fair resolution that provides long-term stability is essential for your future well-being. At A L Law Associates, our experienced family solicitors provide expert advice and representation to help you achieve a financial settlement that truly reflects your needs and circumstances.

Whether you’re seeking a clean break or require ongoing financial arrangements, we’ll guide you through every step of the process with clarity and compassion.

Our Financial Settlement Services Include:

  • Maintenance payments (spousal and child support)

    • We provide expert guidance on both spousal and child maintenance. Our solicitors can help determine appropriate payment levels based on income, needs, and circumstances, whether through court orders or consent agreements. We also assist with variations to existing maintenance orders when circumstances change.

  • Property and asset division

    • Our team has extensive experience in complex property matters, including the family home, investment properties, and other significant assets. We can advise on property transfers, sales, and arrangements allowing one party to remain in the home for a specified period. We ensure all assets are properly valued and fairly distributed.

  • Pension sharing arrangements

    • Pensions often represent significant matrimonial assets that require careful consideration. We provide specialist advice on pension sharing orders, pension offsetting, and other arrangements to ensure retirement security for both parties. Our solicitors work with financial experts when necessary to achieve equitable pension settlements.

  • Lump-sum payments and debt apportionment

    • We help negotiate appropriate lump sum payments as part of your settlement and provide advice on the fair apportionment of debts and liabilities. Our solicitors ensure that all financial obligations are properly addressed in your financial order.

  • Clean break orders
    • Where appropriate, we can help you achieve a clean break settlement that ends all financial ties between you and your ex-partner. This provides certainty and allows both parties to move forward independently.

 

Important Information About Financial Settlements

Financial orders can be made during or after divorce proceedings. Without a legally binding financial order, claims could potentially be made against you years after your divorce is finalised. Our expert divorce solicitors ensure your settlement provides the security and clarity you need for the future.

The court typically aims to achieve fairness based on factors including:

  • The welfare of any dependent children

  • Income and earning capacity of both parties

  • Financial needs and obligations

  • Standard of living during the marriage

  • Duration of the marriage

  • Contributions made by each party

  • The value of all assets, including pensions

 

Contact our Harrow office today at 020 3794 8280 for a confidential consultation about your divorce financial settlement. We’re committed to helping you achieve a fair resolution that provides stability for your future.

 

The Financial Settlement Process

Understanding Your Options

There are several ways to reach a financial settlement:

  • Negotiation and Agreement – We can help you reach an amicable settlement through solicitor-led negotiations, potentially avoiding court proceedings entirely.

  • Mediation – A neutral third party can help facilitate discussions about financial matters, with our solicitors providing legal advice throughout the process.

  • Collaborative Law – Both parties and their solicitors work together in face-to-face meetings to reach a settlement without court intervention.

  • Court Proceedings – If agreement cannot be reached, we provide robust representation through the court process, including Financial Dispute Resolution hearings.

Once an agreement is reached, we’ll prepare a consent order for court approval, making your settlement legally binding.

FAQs

Is a financial order a clean break?

A financial order can include a clean break order, which ends all financial ties between divorcing or separating parties. However, not all financial orders result in a clean break. For example, if ongoing financial support, such as spousal maintenance, is required, the financial order will not be a clean break. A clean break is typically used when both parties are financially independent or reach an agreement that allows for a full and final settlement.

Do I need a solicitor for a financial order?

While it is not legally required to have a solicitor for a financial order, it is highly recommended. Financial settlements can be complex, and a solicitor ensures that the order is fair, comprehensive, and legally binding. They can also help you negotiate an agreement, draft the necessary documentation, and guide you through court procedures if required. Using a solicitor reduces the risk of errors or disputes arising later.

How much does a financial order cost in the UK?

The cost of obtaining a financial order depends on the complexity of the case and whether you reach an agreement amicably or require court intervention. Key costs include:

 

  • Court fee: £53 to submit a financial consent order or £275 for a contested financial application.
  • Solicitor fees: Vary widely but typically range from £750 to £3,000 for a consent order, with higher costs for contested cases.

 

Additional costs may apply for mediation or valuations of assets.

How long does a financial order take?

The timeline for a financial order depends on whether the order is agreed upon or contested:

 

  • Consent Order: If both parties agree, it can take 4–6 weeks for the court to approve.
  • Contested Financial Order: The process can take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the case and court availability.

 

The process includes financial disclosure, negotiation, and potentially multiple hearings if no agreement is reached early.

What happens if I don’t get a financial order?

Without a financial order, your financial ties to your ex-spouse remain unresolved, leaving both parties open to future claims. For example:

 

  • Your ex-spouse could claim a share of any future income, inheritance, or assets.
  • You may not be able to enforce agreements made informally.
  • Unresolved financial disputes can lead to uncertainty and ongoing conflict.

 

A financial order provides clarity, finality, and legal protection for both parties, ensuring that the agreed terms are binding and enforceable.

Why Choose A L Law for Your Divorce Financial Order

  • Experienced Family Law Specialists – Our solicitors have extensive experience in handling complex financial matters on divorce.

  • Practical, Solution-Focused Approach – We focus on achieving fair, workable settlements that provide long-term security.

  • Clear, Transparent Advice – We explain legal concepts in straightforward language and provide realistic expectations about outcomes.

  • Personalised Service – We understand that every family’s financial situation is unique and tailor our approach accordingly.

  • Cost-Effective Solutions – We aim to resolve matters efficiently while protecting your financial interests.

Looking for a financial settlement solicitor near you?

Get in touch with us today. Leave us your contact details and tell us about your legal issue. One of our solicitors will get back to you shortly.

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