Family Law
Financial Arrangements Solicitors in Brighton
Financial arrangements – sometimes called a financial settlement – set out how you and your former partner will divide assets, income, and future financial responsibilities.
Family Law
Financial Arrangements Following Divorce
It is never easy to consider financial arrangements after the breakdown of a marriage or civil partnership. Tensions can be high, emotions are difficult, and you feel like you will never get a resolution.
At Martin Cray & Co, we are specialists at assisting parties to reach a financial resolution following a divorce. The process can take many forms, and it does not need to be complicated or acrimonious.
Financial resolution is often the final aspect to be resolved following a divorce, but often the most important.
What needs to be resolved
- Property
- Bank accounts, savings and investments
- Pensions
- Business assets or arrangements
- Inheritance
- Personal belongings (sometimes known as 'chattels')
- Pets
- Debts and liabilities
- Child and spousal maintenance
How It Works
The Process
Resolving finances can take place in multiple ways. This can include Alternative Dispute Resolution, negotiations with or without solicitors, or, as a last resort, court proceedings. Depending on your circumstances, some options on how finances can be resolved may be less advisable than others, and your solicitor can advise you on the most appropriate course of action.
Usually, the first step will be for each party to fully disclose their financial information. Example documentation for this can include using a ‘Form E’ which is a court drafted form, but many solicitors, mediators or third parties may use to help parties reach a decision.
It is important to obtain legal advice early on so that your interests in the divorce can be appropriately protected.
Resolution options available
- Negotiation between solicitors
- Mediation
- Arbitration
- Early Neutral Evaluation
- Court proceedings (as a last resort)
- Consent order to formalise any agreement
Our Support
How We Can Help
We can help advise you following separation regarding how best to protect yourself and reach a fair financial resolution.
Throughout your case, we will
- Listen to your concerns
- Advise you on the merit of your case and your options, clearly
- Provide you with a transparent breakdown of the costs
- Keep you updated throughout as to the latest position
- Review any documentation you provide and advise you on this
- Advise on any additional documentation or preparation needed
- Assist with negotiation and correspondence with the other party
- Discuss alternative methods to court resolution
- Draft consent orders and/or agreements to settle cases