Divorce Financial Settlements

Divorce Financial Settlements

Clear, affordable guidance to help you reach a fair financial settlement after separation or divorce.

At The McKenzie Friend, we help you understand your financial position, prepare accurate disclosure, and present reasonable proposals that the court is likely to view as fair. Whether your settlement is agreed by consent or decided by a judge, we make each step simpler, calmer, and fully focused on your long-term stability.

What Is a Financial Settlement?

A financial settlement sets out how assets and liabilities will be divided when a marriage ends. It can include the family home, savings, pensions, investments, businesses, vehicles, personal possessions, and debts. A settlement can be reached by agreement and sealed by the court as a Consent Order, or it can be decided by the court if agreement isn’t possible.

Full & Frank Disclosure (Form E)

Financial cases rely on honest disclosure from both parties. We help you complete Form E accurately and organise your supporting documents (bank statements, property valuations, mortgage statements, pension CETVs, payslips, tax returns, loan agreements, etc.). Good disclosure builds trust, speeds up negotiation, and reduces hearings.

What the Court Considers

The court’s primary aim is fairness. Typical considerations include:

• Needs of each party and, most importantly, any children (housing, income, stability).
• Resources available now and in the foreseeable future (income, capital, pensions).
• Standard of living during the marriage and the length of the relationship.
• Contributions (financial and non-financial, such as childcare and homemaking).
• Age, health, and other relevant circumstances.

Key Topics We Help With

• Family Home — options include sale and division, transfer with a charge back, or one party retaining the property with a fair offset.
• Pensions — understanding pension sharing vs offsetting and when a Pension on Divorce Expert (PODE) may be needed.
• Maintenance — spousal maintenance (if appropriate) and how it interacts with a clean break. (Note: child maintenance is generally assessed via the Child Maintenance Service.)
• Businesses & Investments — proportionate disclosure and fair valuation approaches.
• Debts — how joint and personal liabilities are considered and allocated.
• Clean Break — where appropriate, we help you achieve a clean break so neither party can make future financial claims.

Reaching Agreement

Many clients reach terms through sensible negotiation or mediation. We help you prepare proposals that a judge is likely to approve, then draft or refine the Consent Order wording so your agreement is legally binding once sealed by the court.

If Court Proceedings Are Needed

If agreement isn’t possible, financial remedy cases usually follow three stages:

1. First Appointment (FDA) — case management and directions (what evidence/valuations are needed).
2. FDR Hearing — a without-prejudice settlement hearing where a judge gives an indication to encourage agreement.
3. Final Hearing — if no agreement, the judge decides the outcome based on needs, evidence, and fairness.

We help you prepare your documents, organise your bundle, and present your position clearly and respectfully at each stage.

How We Work With You

• Plan — free initial consultation to map your priorities and likely outcomes.
• Prepare — accurate disclosure (Form E), sensible valuations, and structured proposals.
• Negotiate — support with without-prejudice offers, mediation preparation, and consent order terms.
• Proceed — if required, calm, step-by-step assistance through each court stage.

Transparent, Affordable Fees

We offer fixed fees for disclosure support, statement drafting, hearing preparation, and consent order assistance. You always know costs in advance—no retainers and no hidden extras.

Why Choose The McKenzie Friend

• Practical, plain-English guidance from start to finish.
• Strong document preparation and settlement planning.
• Child-focused approach where families are involved.
• Nationwide support online and in person with fixed fees.

Next Steps

Whether you’re at the start of disclosure or close to agreement, we can help you move forward efficiently and with confidence.

We provide McKenzie Friend assistance and do not carry out reserved legal activities. Where regulated representation is required, we will signpost you appropriately.