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The Law Relating to Finances on Separation
Financial security is often top of the list for many of our clients once they have separated from their spouse. However, every couple’s finances are very different, and it is therefore important to take tailored advice as to the likely financial outcome of your separation. We have specialists on site in Stafford, Newcastle-under-Lyme & Alsager to assist you.
Financial Orders can be made in all Divorces/Civil Partnership Dissolutions for lump sum payments (where one party pays the other a cash sum), property ownership (where a house is transferred into one person’s name), spousal maintenance to help with meeting outgoings and pension sharing where the Court sees it as just and fair to do so.
Whether matters are settled by agreement or through the Court process, the same law applies. We provide advice based on the current law and our knowledge of local court decisions.
In English Law the Family Court has the power to make a wide range of financial orders as part of the divorce process. This can be through agreement between the parties being approved by the Court, known as a Consent Order, or through Court proceedings, where a Judge will decide who gets what.
If an agreement cannot be reached either through Solicitors or mediation and a Consent Order filed then the only option available to secure a financial settlement is for either party to file a financial application at court. Unless you can satisfy an exemption from attending mediation, such mediation must take place prior to filing the application with Court.
For further information regarding the mediation process please see The Family Mediation Centre Staffordshire's Website for more information on the mediation process.
What will I get?
The starting point is for all assets of the marriage to be divided equally. However, the Court can and do move from this when it is fair to do so. In deciding who should get what, the Court consider the “Section 25 Criteria” which includes how long you’ve been married, your ages, ability to earn, property and money, living expenses, the standard of living you are used to and your role in the marriage.
Financial security is often top of the list for many of our clients once they have separated from their spouse. However, every couple’s finances are very different and it is therefore important to take tailored advice as to the likely financial outcome of your separation.
We aim to work with our clients and their spouse to try and reach an amicable agreement at all times.
Agreement - Consent Orders
If an agreement is reached we will draw this into a document known as a Consent Order. This is sent to the Court as part of the divorce process and is approved by a Judge which makes it legally binding on both parties. This is often the most cost-effective way of dealing with finances on separation but requires both parties to be open to negotiation.
Agreements can be reached between the parties direct, through traditional Solicitor negotiations, through meetings with both parties and their Solicitors (known as round table meetings), via mediation, through the collaborative law process or less commonly, through arbitration.
Dispute – Court Proceedings
If an agreement cannot be reached either through Solicitors or mediation then the only option available to secure a financial settlement is for either party to file a Financial Application at Court.
Once the application is received by the Court, they will set the timetable. Most cases are listed at the nearest Court to the family home but can potentially be issued in any Court the Applicant wishes. Nearly all cases follow a three stage process:-
1. First Appointment
This is a housekeeping hearing where the Court checks that both parties have filed a full and frank Statement of Evidence of their financial position, called a Form E. Each party has the opportunity to ask questions of the others evidence and the Court approves what questions can be asked. The matter is then listed for a hearing aimed more at negotiation.
2. Financial Dispute Resolution Hearing
This is a “Without Prejudice” hearing where all parties put their cards on the table. They set out their best offers for settlement which the Judge considers and comments upon. The Judge will give an indication as to what they think is a fair outcome for the case and encourages the parties to try and agree the terms of a Final Order to be finalised that day. If they cannot the matter is listed for a Final Hearing and a new Judge must be allocated to the case; a Judge who is not aware of any Without Prejudice offers made previously.
3. Final Hearing
The parties can still agree settlement at any point up until the Final Hearing. However, once the hearing has taken place the decision is handed over to the Judge who will make a decision based on the current law. Their decision is legally binding on both parties with immediate effect. Few cases make it to this stage as it is not cost effective for either party to get to this point. However, sometimes it is necessary where either party is not prepared to sufficiently compromise their position.
If you would like to discuss this further please do not hesitate to speak to one of our friendly team members on 01785 252377 for Stafford appointments, 01782 987551 for Newcastle-under-Lyme or 01270 446260 for Alsager appointments.
