"Finances" posts

How to talk about money with your ex-partner – and have productive conversations

Financial conversations with a partner or spouse can be awkward at the best of times. The stress and upset of a divorce can make them a lot more uncomfortable.

Money trauma, relationships and the truth about pensions in marriage – The Divorce Podcast

In this episode, Kate is joined by a multi-award-winning Financial Coach and international author Catherine Morgan to discuss pensions and other financial aspects of divorce.

Five ways to protect your finances during and after divorce

Finances can cause a lot of worry during a divorce or separation, and there’s no denying that they require some careful thought. But when you’re dealing with raw emotions and feeling stressed, it can be tricky to work out your priorities.

What are your legal rights when separating if you live together but you’re not married?

Navigating a separation can be daunting. The decision to part ways can come with a lot of worries about the legal process, finances and your children's wellbeing. If you find yourself in this situation and you live with your ex-partner but you’re not married, it's important to understand your options so you can protect your children and assets now and in the future.

How the latest government budget could impact your divorce - The Divorce Podcast

In this episode Kate is joined by Louise Oliver, a Certified Financial Planner, to discuss the recent budget announcement and how it will affect divorcing couples at different stages of the process.

How to divide a business in a divorce

Dividing money and property during a divorce can be challenging, especially when there are complex assets like a business to discuss.

Dividing farms and land

Dividing farms and land during a divorce can be complicated. It’s important to get advice from a legal professional who understands these complexities, while also considering emotional factors like sentimental attachment and the challenges of a relationship ending.

Property & divorce FAQs - The Divorce Podcast

In this episode, Kate is joined by Jamie Cole, the co-founder of Sail Homes and Sail Legal, and Edwina Homfray-Davies, a Licensed Conveyancer with over 20 years of experience and part of Sail Legal, to discuss the most common property and divorce FAQs.

A guide to buying a home during divorce

Buying a home while going through a divorce might seem overwhelming, but it can also mark a positive step toward a fresh start. With the right guidance, you can navigate the legal and financial aspects and feel empowered. Here’s a simple guide to help you on your journey.

Navigating divorce with multiple properties

When couples get divorced, it's common for them to own more than one property, either individually or together. When this happens, they often wonder what will happen to those properties.

Buying out a partner in a divorce or separation

Divorce can be one of the most challenging times in a person's life, both emotionally and financially. Among the many decisions you'll need to make is what to do with the family home. If you're considering buying out your partner, this guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step, to help you make informed decisions and confidently navigate the complexities.

Ending a cohabitation relationship

Around 22% of couples who live together aren’t married or in a civil partnership. Many people think they automatically gain rights to their partner's property and belongings if they live together for a long time. However, in reality, if they break up or if one partner dies, couples who aren't married or in a civil partnership don’t have the same rights or protections as married couples unless they have legal arrangements like a will.

The two D's - death and divorce with Octopus Legacy

You’ve decided you want to separate from your ex-partner, and you’re going through the divorce process. Alongside divorce, there’s another ‘d’ word to consider – what do you want to happen to your assets when you die?

The two Ds – death and divorce - The Divorce Podcast

In this episode, Kate is joined by the founder of Octopus Legacy, Sam Grice to discuss death and divorce.

What is a cohabitation agreement and when would you need one?

A cohabitation agreement, also called a ‘living together agreement’, records arrangements between a couple who are living together.

Tradition and challenges of dowries in South Asian culture

The giving of a dowry is a centuries-old tradition. While the origin of the custom is not clear, dowry records date back to around 2300 BC in ancient Babylon...

amicable & non-court dispute resolution

The Family Court exists for children and family matters and is required to follow the ‘Family Procedure Rules’ (FPR). These rules were updated on the 24th of April with a focus on helping families resolve issues outside of the court.

What is a divorce financial agreement?

If you decide to separate from your partner, you will need to agree how to divide your money and property. In this blog, we explore what a divorce financial agreement is and how to get one.

Do you have to get a consent order for child arrangements?

In this blog, we will discuss the different options available and things some legal topics which might cause confusion (ie. the ‘no-order principle’).

Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Budget 2024 has been announced today

In this blog, we look at the Budget's impact on divorce, separation and dividing money and property as part of a separation.

Guide to dividing property after divorce

For separating couples who are also homeowners, dividing their property tends to be one of their biggest priorities when making financial arrangements.

Government court fees increase 2025

Court fees are set to rise 3% as of April 8th in 2025. Here's what you can expect...

The best moments from The Divorce Podcast

To celebrate this special occasion, we're taking a trip down memory lane and bringing you the absolute best bits from our most impactful and insightful episodes.

Octopus Money and divorce specialists amicable tie the knot

Octopus has acquired amicable, the leader in helping couples separate in a kinder and more affordable way.

Can I draft my own consent order?

The benefits of having your agreement drafted by a neutral drafting service, such as amicable, is that it’s more cost-effective than using separate solicitors, and we won’t pick apart your agreement or create unnecessary conflict.

Divorce financial planning during a cost of living crisis - The Divorce Podcast

In this episode, Kate was joined by Louise Oliver to discuss financial planning and divorce during a cost-of-living crisis.

Divorce, separation and co-parenting resources

Our tools and resources offer guidance and support for navigating this challenging time with compassion and understanding. From co-parenting tips to legal queries and emotional support, we've got you covered.

What is child maintenance and how is it calculated? - The Divorce Podcast

Kate is joined by Jack Gillis from the single-parent charity, Gingerbread, to discuss child maintenance and the Child Maintenance Service (CMS).

Property and divorce with Zoopla

Normally, the biggest priority when a couple separates is sorting out where they will live and dividing any property.

Why is divorce so expensive?

The cost of divorce can be a stressful and overwhelming part of the separation process. Depending on your chosen route, you could face endless legal fees with no certainty of the total cost or the time it will take...

Navigating divorce and property with Daniel Copley from Zoopla - The Divorce Podcast

Kate is joined by Daniel Copley from Zoopla and Shreepali Chauhan-Tufail from amicable to talk about property and divorce.

Can you divorce without a consent order?

Yes, but there are many reasons why you should consider getting one. In this blog, we’ll explore what a consent order is, why they are a good idea and the best time to get one...

Is 50/50 fair when dividing money and property?

In short, it depends. There's no defined formula for splitting money and property when you separate, and there are many factors that impact whether or not your agreement is 'fair' and in what context.

Should assets be split 50/50 in a divorce? with Joshua Rozenberg - The Divorce Podcast

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.

What is financial abuse and how to prevent it from happening during a 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 [...]

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.

Guide to navigating gov.uk when dividing your money and property

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 the next steps

If you or your spouse have applied to end your ‘legal marriage’ through a no-fault divorce, you’ll be emailed to say you can apply for your conditional order 20 weeks after the application was made and the divorce issued (i.e., the ‘reflection’ period).

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're divorcing or separating, the statement presents new challenges for you and your family, at a tough time when you're 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 includes any money, property, debt, or pensions. There are many ways to reach an agreement over how to divide your money and property...

What is a clean break order?

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...

Checklist for the 20-week cooling off period in divorce

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? – 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.

A complete guide to divorce and financial disclosure

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.

Is inheritance included in divorce?

The topic of inheritance and divorce can be quite complex, and we shall try to simplify inheritance on divorce in this blog, as understandably this topic is very important to many people.

Divorce and cryptocurrency: a guide to cryptocurrency on divorce (England & Wales)

So how does cryptocurrency factor into your financial arrangements on divorce?

Divorce and debt (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.

The complete guide to divorce and pensions

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 [...]

What is a pension sharing order? – the complete guide

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...

What is a Mesher Order in divorce?

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...

What is the family mediation voucher scheme and who can apply?

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.

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.

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 to 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.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its 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 homes 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 breached?

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.

How to get a consent order online

Ending your marriage or civil partnership is one legal process and ending your financial ties is a 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.

Valuing property for divorce: three ways 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..

Divorce and property – everything you need to know in three easy 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.

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.

The Divorce Podcast

The Divorce Podcast explores all aspects of ending relationships, separation and parenting apart. In each episode, Kate is joined by experts and special guests who share their own stories, experiences, and tips with the goal of helping people end relationships in a kinder, better way.

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 […]

How much is communication whilst you separate costing you?

Whilst amicable is sometimes an aspiration rather than a reality when you start the divorce process, one thing is certain. To sort out separation you have to communicate with each other. How you communicate, and […]

Mr V Mrs – Call The Mediator - Love it or loathe it, the programme creates debate

Whilst millions of people watched Call the Mediator, believing (or breathing a sigh of relief) that this kind of thing happens to other people, it’s a fact that in England & Wales, 42% of all […]

How to save money on your divorce with timing tips

It may be a cliché to say timing is everything, but in divorce it’s crucial to making it through amicably with your heart and bank balance intact. In this blog we’ll show you how to […]

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 – […]

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

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

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 […]

What is a consent order?

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 financial order on divorce?

A lot of people believe that just getting divorced will end any financial relationship they have – but this isn’t true. To untie yourself financially from each other, you will need […]