"divorceplanning" posts

Five practical money tips after divorce

Divorce changes more than just your relationship status; it can reshape your finances, your daily routine, and the future you had in mind.

What to do when your partner wants a divorce: 5 essential tips

It can be heartbreaking when your partner tells you they want to end a long-term relationship. Divorce and separation are loaded words, and in many cases hearing the dreaded “I want a divorce” from a partner is devastating and marks the beginning of a life-changing experience for both people involved.

Who gets the dog? Legal truths, animal welfare and post-split pet arrangements with the RSPCA

In this episode, host Kate is joined by Dr Samantha Gaines, Head of the RSPCA’s Companion Animals Science and Policy department, and Carol Harte, Divorce Specialist at amicable, to debunk some common myths about separating with pets.

Divorce and separation guidance for fathers

Going through a divorce or separation as a Dad can be a tough and complicated process.

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.

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.

Selling a property in a divorce

Divorce can be an emotional rollercoaster, and selling a property can add another layer of complexity. However, with the right information and support, you can navigate this challenge successfully. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to selling a property during a divorce, helping you make informed decisions and ensuring a smoother transition.

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.

Managing a divorce with neurodiversity

Going through a divorce can be an immense challenge, but going through it as a family where there is neurodiversity can add many additional layers of complexity.

Navigating the summer holidays if you’re thinking of separating

Navigating activities, organising childcare, and keeping your children preoccupied is no mean feat, and adding a separation on top can feel impossible.

A step-by-step guide to same-sex divorce

Same-sex marriage has been legally recognised in the UK since July 2013. Before this, same-sex couples could enter into a civil partnership rather than a marriage.

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.

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’).

The role of friends and family in navigating divorce, separation and co-parenting

Separation and divorce is something that can be achieved amicably with the children’s best interests and our own mental health at heart...

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...

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...

How to prepare for a divorce

If you and your partner have decided to separate, the prospect of divorce can feel overwhelming [...]

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...

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.

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'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...

Five 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.

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 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).

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...

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 quickly can you get a divorce?

In this post, we're going to explain how quickly you can get a divorce and whether it is possible for you to speed up the divorce process. You'll find out exactly what you and your ex can do [...]

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

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.

A simple guide to divorce and wills

If you’re mid-divorce or post-divorce, you may well feel like you’d rather not see another legal document right now. But when it comes to your last will and testament, there’s no better time to get things sorted. It’s not even that expensive, or difficult. Here’s why.

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..

Can you divorce and still own property together? Guide to divorce and house ownership

Divorce and house ownership can seem a little complicated, but it doesn’t need to be. There are a few reasons why, when you divorce joint property ownership may be the best option available...

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.

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 […]

Simple guide to divorce options 2025

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 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 […]

What is a parenting plan?

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.

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 […]

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 a divorce 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?

I’m frequently asked how long it takes to get a divorce. Usually, the 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.

Divorce after five years separation: the old ground for divorce

No-fault divorce was introduced in England and Wales on April 6th, 2022 which removes the need to choose a ground or reason to support the 'irretrievable' breakdown of a marriage.

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

According to news outlets, the divorce rates are at the lowest level in 40 years. 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 […]

18-point divorce checklist for a smooth separation

Need help starting your divorce? amicable's divorce and separation checklist makes it easy. Simplify your separation and get peace of mind with our guide.

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 – […]

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 […]