"Finances" posts

Is 50/50 fair? Fairness, finances and divorce with Joshua Rozenberg and David Hodson

Kate is joined by Joshua Rozenberg and David Hodson to discuss whether 50/50 is a fair way to divide money and property during a divorce or separation.

What is a separation agreement and when do you need one?

Divorce can be an emotionally challenging process with significant legal and financial consequences. Knowing when to divide any money, property and other assets/debts, as well as the legal mechanism for doing this, can be confusing [...]

What’s a prenuptial agreement?

In England and Wales, a prenuptial agreement, also known as a ‘prenup’, is a legal agreement made by a couple before they get married or enter into a civil partnership [...]

Adjusting to a new lifestyle post-divorce

Is fear holding you back from leaving an unhealthy relationship? You’re not alone. Here are five tips to help you prepare if you’re planning on separating from your partner...

Embargo lifted on the production of CETV for public sector pensions

In March 2023, the Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) temporarily suspended the production of Cash Equivalent Transfer Value (CETV) for public sector pensions following recent changes to certain factors used in these calculations.

Making arrangements for child maintenance

Child maintenance is the money a parent pays towards their child’s upbringing. All parents have a responsibility to support their child [...]

How does rising inflation impact divorce and child maintenance

The government recently announced the Spring Budget, with a focus on halving inflation, growing the economy and decreasing public debt. In this blog, we'll look at what the budget and rise in inflation might mean for your separation and the impact on maintenance payments and how to calculate the impact on child maintenance payments

Changes to the rules around CGT and the impact on separating couples

The government has announced changes to the rules around Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in the Spring Finance Bill 2023. In this blog, we'll look at how these changes impact divorcing and separating couples.

Financial abuse and separation or divorce

There are more and more conversations taking place around financial abuse, and each year we see greater changes in this area. Slowly, but surely. But do people truly understand the life-changing impact financial abuse has on individuals who experience it? Financial abuse is a form of domestic abuse, whereby the abuser restricts, exploits or sabotages their partner’s financial resources. [](http://)Now, let’s be clear here. When I say partner, this can mean current partner, ex-partner, family member or friend. Quite frankly, financial abuse can take place in any relationship, at any time.

Why should you budget for your divorce process?

We know that getting divorced is not an easy or cheap process for most. It's an emotional journey with legal and financial consequences. Usually, you're dividing two households in two and having to rehouse yourselves elsewhere, which is an expensive process in itself. We have lots of tips on this in our podcast episode with HyperJar. So if you're looking to save money, choosing the cheapest divorce process is tempting. Below, we look at reasons and situations why you might choose to spend more on professional help for your divorce.

How to talk to your partner about an amicable separation when you’re the initiator

In this blog, we look at tips for keeping things amicable when you’re the initiator of the separation and want to discuss how to start your divorce and move things forward. We’ll detail tips for helping your partner understand the amicable options available to them without feeling pushed into a corner.

amicable’s guide to navigating gov.uk as you divorce

Since the introduction of ‘no-fault divorce’ more people than ever are starting their divorce on the government website. It’s simple to kick off a divorce yourself but when it comes to sorting out your money and property things can quickly become baffling, especially as the instructions and the language on gov.uk are unclear, complicated and confusing.

Applied for your conditional order? Here’s what to do next

If you or your ex have applied to end your ‘legal marriage’ with a no-fault divorce on the government website, you’ll be emailed to say you can apply for your Conditional Order 20 weeks after the application was made and the divorce issued (the ‘reflection’ period). Once you’ve applied for the conditional order and the court has granted it, you can ask a judge to end your ‘financial marriage’ by approving arrangements you have made about splitting money and property. This is known as having a financial order, also called a consent order, if you both agree to the document.

How will the government's Autumn Statement 2022 impact separating couples?

Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement 2022 set out a raft of policies aimed at both stabilising the economy and dealing with inflation and the cost of living crisis. If you are divorcing or separating, the statement presents new challenges for you and your family, at a tough time when you are already dealing with the emotional and financial trauma of the break-up of your marriage.

What is a 'kitchen table agreement'?

If you decide to separate or divorce, you will need to agree on how you divide your finances. This means any money, property, debt, or pensions. There are lots of ways you can reach an agreement on how to separate your finances, and some options are cheaper than others.

What is a ‘clean break’ following divorce?

When you get married, you become financially tied to your partner. If you divorce your partner, it might surprise you to learn that this doesn’t automatically end your financial relationship with them. A ‘clean break’ usually refers to a type of order that the court can make following a divorce, to sever any financial ties between you both. In this blog, we’ll explain why you might want to consider a clean break, and how you can go about getting one.

amicable’s checklist for the 20-week reflection period

No-fault divorce was introduced in England and Wales on the 6th of April 2022. This represents the end of the ‘blame game’, meaning you no longer need to blame each other in the legal paperwork. There are several changes to the system which includes the introduction of the 20-week 'reflection period'.

What does a Divorce Coach do and how can they help with your divorce?

The truth is, most people don’t get divorced very often, and it’s pretty rare that you will continue living the same lifestyle when you separate. So to fore-see all the things you’ll have to sort out and navigate is tough. It is a vulnerable and worrying time. This is where a Divorce Coach comes in. This is a very important time in your life. Succeeding in an amicable separation is crucial to the emotional recovery for both parties and, of course, any children. How you set the tone now could affect your family for a long time to come.

How much does a divorce cost in England and Wales? (2023) – Step by step guide on how to keep the cost down

Divorce has a reputation for being expensive, but fees don’t have to rise through the roof. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep the costs down […]

Divorce financial settlement guide

The financial side of divorce and legalising what has been agreed is often called a divorce financial settlement.

Financial disclosure and divorce

We often get asked by our customers, whether or not you need to disclose your finances to your spouse if you’re divorcing. This will depend on your individual situation and the nature of your divorce. We have outlined below when financial disclosure might be required, as well as the types of financial disclosure and where this sits within the divorce process.

Is it a gift or is it a loan?

A frequent question that comes up with our customers, is whether a sum of money given by a parent to the couple, or one of them in particular, is a gift or loan. Clarity on this matter has been somewhat reached through the judgment passed by HHJ Edward Hess on the 10th of February 2022 with regards to the case, P v Q.

Inherited assets and divorce

We often get asked questions relating to divorce and inheritance, such as ‘what happens if I inherit assets when I am going through a divorce or if I am already divorced? Is my ex entitled to any of it?’. The topic of divorce and inheritance can be quite complex and we shall try and clarify this for you in this blog, as understandably this topic is very important to many of you.

Cryptocurrency and divorce (England & Wales)

If you’re currently going through divorce (or dissolution) proceedings and you are planning on formalising your financial arrangements through a financial remedy order or a consent order, you will need to disclose everything you have in order for the court to judge whether it's been separated fairly. So how does cryptocurrency factor into this?

How are pensions split in a divorce?

If you have decided to divorce, or dissolve your civil partnership, you and your ex need to decide how to separate and if applicable, share your financial assets. The first step is to provide each other with full details of [...]

Pension Sharing Orders - FAQs

A pension sharing order will require one former spouse’s pension provider to give some, or all, of the funds in that pension plan to their ex (the ‘recipient’). A pension sharing order can be made in respect of a pension either before or after it is in payment. Find out more...

Our guide to the Family Mediation Voucher scheme

Find out what the new Mediation Voucher Scheme is if you're eligible for the £500 mediation voucher and what other alternatives are out there to help with agreeing finances and childcare post-divorce and separation.

How to arrange (and protect) your finances using a divorce specialist

The financial side of divorcing and legalising what has been agreed is sometimes called a divorce financial settlement. Here's everything you need to know about the financial settlement or arrangement (or the consent order as it's commonly known)...

Establishing a new relationship with money after divorce

Reaching a fair financial settlement often takes centre stage during a divorce or separation and is key in achieving an amicable divorce. For many, a divorce marks not only a change in financial circumstances, but the start of establishing a new relationship with money.

What is a consent order and how to get one online?

Ending your marriage or civil partnership is one legal process and ending your financial ties is completely different legal process. The legal process of severing your financial ties is called a consent order or financial order. This blog will explain how to get a consent order online.

Divorce and property – what you need to do and know in three simple steps...

A big consideration when you divorce or separate is how to sort out any property you own. Every separation is different, but the tips below are a good place to start and will hopefully save you time, money and hassle.

Tenants in common versus joint tenants – advice for cohabiting couples who are separating

If you jointly own a property with someone you can hold the property in one of two ways: either as joint tenants or tenants in common [...]

Is 50/50 always fair in a divorce settlement? – Our guide to splitting assets in a divorce

In divorce splitting assets (as well as debts) can feel overwhelming. However, a few simple steps can [...]

What is a consent order? Guide to financial consent orders during divorce

A consent order is a legally binding document that sets out the financial arrangements you and your ex have agreed on. It details how you’re going to split any assets, debts, pension, and income you […]

What is a divorce financial order guide

A divorce financial order is a document that makes your agreements about how to split your finances legally binding. It usually has a clause in it that ends any future claims you may have against […]

Debt and Divorce (England and Wales)

You, like many, might be wondering ‘what happens to debt in divorce?’. Debt refers to a sum of money that is owed or due to another individual or institution. There are many different types of debt and it might surprise you to know that debt is included when you come to look at your divorce financial settlement.

What’s a Mesher Order? Options for sorting out the family home

A Mesher Order forms part of your consent (financial) order and allows you to postpone the sale of the family home until your children have completed their secondary education (sometimes extended to cover their university education). Crucially...

Silver splitters’ state pensions - Guide on how to check if you’re entitled to a pension boost

If you reached the state’s retirement age before April 2016 and went on to get divorced, you could receive a government boost to your pension. Read the full details below.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and It's Impact on Child Maintenance

Lots of you have been in touch asking about child maintenance payments during the COVID-19 lockdown. There's little official advice other than children under 18 should continue to see both parents and move between their two home to keep the status quo. But what happens to child maintenance payments if your situation changes?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Your Financial Settlement

If you're negotiating your financial settlement as part of your divorce or separation as well as dealing with Coronavirus (COVID-19), then the anxiety levels can start to feel overwhelming. But don't worry, we are here to help, and have put together some FAQ's and advice to support you.

How can a breakup be amicable even when there’s financial strain?

While breakups are hard, the effects on finances can make the whole ordeal even harder. In the UK alone, around 500,000 people face tough financial times after a split. Housing, divorce costs, and living expenses are just some of the things to consider when the relationship dissolves. Knowing that there might be financial difficulties after the split can make it hard to remain civil, especially if you’re getting the rougher end of the deal. Discover ways to remain on good terms even when finances aren’t looking great.

What happens if a consent order is broken?

A consent order (sometimes called a financial order) will legalise the financial arrangements you have made with your ex when you divorce / end your civil partnership. It’s also the document that will end financial claims against each other in the future. A consent order is a safety net that protects you both so that one person can’t change their mind in the future. The courts will not check up on you to see if you are both upholding what is stated but you can ask the court for help if one person breaks the agreements documented in the consent order.

Three options to find out how much your property is worth when you separate

You need to have an idea of the value of the property before you start talking about how you will split your finances when you divorce/separate. Lots of couples tend to rush into making assumptions about how much their property/properties are worth, which isn't helpful in the long run. Here are three ways to get your property/properties valued:

What is spousal maintenance?

Spousal maintenance is a payment made by either a husband or wife to their former partner when they divorce or dissolve their civil partnership. It is a specific sum of money paid (usually monthly) for a specified period. Spousal maintenance is different to child maintenance and is only paid if one person cannot support themselves after the divorce or dissolution of the civil partnership.

Why create a budget?

Why create a budget? Knowing what you need to live on will help you make realistic financial agreements as part of your divorce. If you don’t know what you need to live on in the […]

Which type of mortgage can make buying a house after separating easier?

A big consideration, when parting ways, is where each of you is going to live.  If you have a low income (or no income at all) then finding your own place can seem daunting – […]

Silver splitters: How a lifetime mortgage could help you separate in later life

Divorce in later life is on the up. Although (until last year) the overall divorce rate has been falling, for the last 20 years, there’s been a steady increase in separation among the over 60s, […]

Benefits post-divorce - What you should know

When you physically separate and go to living in a one adult household, it’s helpful to maximise any benefits post-divorce that you might be entitled to and take advantage of any additional help that is out […]