"divorceplanning" posts

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.

How a mortgage in your 60s can help you move on post-divorce

We're [LiveMore](https://livemorecapital.com/), a specialist mortgage lender for people aged 50 to 90+ and we talk to Audrey about her experience of divorce and how gettting a mortgage in her 60s helped her to move on and rebuild

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.

5 Tips to help you when searching for a new home after divorce or separation

Going through a separation presents a unique set of challenges that very few of us are prepared for. Not only you are facing the re-organisation of your life (and your family’s), but you also must go through the legal and emotional process of the divorce (challenging for most) as well as thinking about your next home and where you will be living.

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 to have an amicable no-fault divorce in England & Wales

If you and your partner have decided to separate, working out how to go about this and where to start can often seem really daunting. There are also some common pitfalls to avoid which we have highlighted below if you want an amicable no-fault divorce.

Government increases court fees for divorcing and separating couples in England and Wales

The government has announced that they will be increasing the court fee costs for divorcing and separating couples at the end of the month. This means, separating couples in England and Wales will pay more for applying for the legal paperwork associated with their divorce (unless you are eligible for a discount or exemption).

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...

amicable wins High Court Judgment allowing couples to divorce without lawyers

A landmark judgment in the High Court validates legal services company amicable’s right to help divorcing couples negotiate financial settlements and create joint legal documents

5 Tips for an amicable divorce – In the beginning…

Whatever you do – don’t google Divorce. I’m serious – and don’t ask your divorced friends, colleagues or mum’s neighbour about their experience… oh and absolutely DON’T watch the BBC’s Dr Foster. Divorce has understandably […]

The straightforward guide to divorce options

You’ve decided you’re going to divorce, turning your world upside down and leading to weeks or even months of arguments and tears. You’re just starting to accept this is going to happen and you need […]

Divorce basics – what you need to know about getting divorced

How do I separate and what’s involved in a divorce? Our divorce basics blog tells you everything you need to know. There are two things that need to happen for you to separate; you must make […]

Tips on how to get divorced if Christmas was the final straw

In this blog, we set out how to get divorced amicably if Christmas has been the straw that’s broken the camel’s back. My own divorce became a reality at Christmas, five years ago, so I […]

Grounds For Divorce : What are they and do I have them?

In England and Wales, you must be married at least a year and have divorce grounds to legally end your marriage. In this blog, I will explain what that means. You have divorce grounds if your marriage […]

How long does a divorce take in the UK?

I’m frequently asked the question, how long does it take to get divorced? the simple answer is many months. I imagine if you’re the instigator of the divorce this isn’t what you want to hear.

Two years separation as the grounds for divorce

Now that no-fault divorce is law in England and Wales, you can no longer use two years separation as the reason for your divorce.

How to use five years separation as the grounds for divorce

There are five ‘facts’ in English and Welsh law that you can rely upon to prove your marriage has broken down ‘irretrievably’.. The definitions of these facts can be confusing, this blog explains the five […]

18 point checklist guide for an amicable divorce

Wondering how to get divorced? The process can seem daunting and complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve put together a divorce checklist with all the things you’ll need to consider for an amicable […]

Why should you use an online Divorce Coach

Divorce ranks as one of the most stressful things you can go through in life, with emotions running high and often lots of issues to work through and decisions to make, it is important to have the right support and advice. Many people have turned to divorce coaches and divorce coaching to help them handle what is a highly emotional and uncertain journey for many families.

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.

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:

Can you get a divorce & still own property together? Guide to divorce & house ownership

Divorce, when you own a house, can seem a little complicated, but it doesn’t need to be. There are a few reasons why you may want to still own a house with

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.

Divorce goals - what are they and why should you have them?

Why create goals? Focusing on the future rather than dwelling on the past leads to a more positive mindset for everyone during separation. There are lots of decisions that need to be made when you […]

A guide to parenting plans for co-parents

If you’re divorcing with kids, prioritizing their needs during your divorce will help them thrive in the future. A good way to minimise the impact on children is to create a parenting plan. A parenting […]

amicable’s guide to financial separation when you divorce or legally separate in England and Wales

Considering the principles for financial separation of your divorce, before you get bogged down in the detail can save you time, energy and money […]

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 […]

Has the Government's increase in court fees contributed to decreasing divorce rates?

The Telegraph recently released an article stating that divorce rates are at the lowest level in 40 years. The article suggested that this decline may be partly due to the ‘cohabiting revolution’. But I wonder whether […]

How to tell your partner that you want a divorce or to separate

‘I want a divorce – but don’t know how to tell my ex’. This is often a major reason why people stay in unhappy relationships and lose their confidence and mojo. My blog has tips […]

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 – […]