Family Law > Financial Settlements

Approach a divorce financial settlement
in the right way

Resolving who gets what at the end of a partnership can be a messy affair. But we make it faster and simpler. Get the support you need to move on now.

Reach a financial settlement without further pain

The break-up of a marriage or civil partnership can be very draining. You’re dealing with intense emotions and a complex relationship history, and it may be difficult to untangle the property, debt, and finances that you have together. There are often disagreements too. We use our vast family law experience, plus our sensitive approach, to prove what you’re due and get exactly what you’re entitled to.

From living arrangements and child maintenance to dividing up assets and outstanding debts, we quickly get to the heart of what you’ve shared as a couple – and how it should be separated. We make sure that your case isn’t open to further questions or delays, and also build a sympathetic understanding of how you got to this point and why the divorce or dissolution may have happened.

In the majority of cases, we’ll settle before court. But if we have to take things further, we will – even preparing a conditional order to make the separation itself legal if necessary.

We’ll help you reach an agreement

No matter how high tensions are currently, there’s usually light at the end of the tunnel. To get there, we’ll explain what you must prove. Our initial consultation is free of charge. Following this, we’ll walk you through the entire process towards a resolution, and even represent you during any dialogue with your ex-partner’s legal team.

Let’s talk about your independence

True specialists in divorce financial settlements

Couples rarely share the same level of ownership and earning power. One of you may be dealing with health concerns, or hold more childcare responsibilities. Meanwhile, you may disagree on what to do with shared assets – for instance, whether to sell a property, keep it, or transfer ownership. Only an experienced legal team can sift through the detail, focusing on what matters most to you.

Optimal know where the balance lies. We’ll learn more about your contributions over the years, which decisions you made together, and what your long-term financial prospects were before the break-up. Our expertise in family law helps us do what’s best for you and any children, including the arrangement of maintenance payments.

Often, it’s wise to resolve financial settlements before divorce proceedings begin, so you’re dealing with one thing at a time. We’ll examine many factors as we propose an agreement.

The standard of living you had during the partnership, regardless of the income you brought directly into the household.
The non-monetary responsibilities you took charge of, such as childcare, housekeeping, errands, and transport.
Maintenance payments for a child who is only living with one of you for the foreseeable future.
Any sudden withholding of a joint account that affects your basic living expenses.
Shared business interests or rental property you both own.
How long the partnership lasted and your respective ages (this may limit the chances of remarriage or achieving more financial independence).

We’ve helped thousands, like you, get the best outcome

Why Optimal Solicitors?

For over a decade, we’ve been moving clients towards a quick, legally binding resolution, using our experience in other legal areas to handle complex cases. It doesn’t matter whether you’re married, have a cohabitation or nuptial agreement, or have never made formal commitments for shared assets before – we’ll work tirelessly to prove precisely what you’re owed.

If you want to discuss childcare, property rights, or the full particulars of civil partnership entitlements, you can get a free consultation with us. We’ll adapt ourselves to your requirements and never leave you out of the conversation. Speed, clarity, and empathy – that’s what you need for a swift end to this painful period. And that’s exactly what we offer.

We make settlements straightforward

There will a lot to consider and account for when building a list of the assets you’re due and the debts you can avoid. We'll communicate what we need – and what you stand to gain – in simple terms.

We’re completely flexible

Let’s reach an agreement in the way that works for you. If you’re between homes, living overseas, or juggling a settlement with a busy job, we’ll fit around your schedule. We're open beyond 9am-5pm, and are readily available by phone or email.

We save you money

You’re facing enough financial uncertainty already right now. So you shouldn’t have to worry about legal fees too. Our free consultation gives a good idea of what’s ahead. If you proceed, rest assured that we’ll keep everything accessible and cost-effective.

Can I divorce without a financial settlement?

You can, but we don’t advise it. There are several reasons to get a settlement first. If you remarry before achieving a settlement later, you may lose any right to the former partner’s assets. Some assets, such as pensions and capital ownership, are best transferred when you’re still legally married. Also, informal agreements (i.e. those that you make in private and don’t write down) won’t act as a binding contract if either of you change your mind later.

What is a ‘clean break’ settlement?

Clean breaks are essentially a single division of assets. This is an arrangement in which neither of you pay ongoing maintenance or support for the other. You can only have a clean break from your spouse or civil partner (not your children), and once the settlement has been approved, your former partner can’t claim for anything again.

Do grounds for divorce affect a financial settlement?

In almost every case, they don’t. But there are exceptions, such as if you’ve been the victim of domestic abuse. Another example might be spending recklessly from a shared bank account or family business. If these situations apply, you or the other person can seek extra compensation for damages and financial restrictions.

What happens if a former partner doesn’t pay maintenance?

If you’re awarded court-approved maintenance, the ex-partner must see that you receive it. Typically, that means making monthly payments to yourself, your child, or both. The court can force the partner’s employer to take such funds out of their payslip directly. Tampering with or avoiding this may result in prosecution.

How are conflicts resolved for the family home?

Should one of you prefer to stay in the home and the other leave, you will probably have to give them an equivalent value of assets to make up for their share of the property. If you don’t have that many assets, then the home must be sold. However, if you have children, you might choose to stay with them in the home and agree to sell when they’re old enough to leave (you would therefore give your ex-partner a portion of the sale at that date).

What is a ‘conditional order’?

This is a document that confirms there’s no reason why you shouldn’t separate and gain a divorce settlement. You can get it whether the partner agrees or not, depending on a court hearing. When it has been granted, you’ll have to wait 43 days before you can ask for a ‘final order’, which ends the marriage. A ‘conditional order’ was previously called a ‘decree nisi’, and a final order a ‘decree absolute.’

Speak to us now for a recommendation without the legal fees

We’re committed to making legal aid accessible and trustworthy from the start. That’s why we never charge for our first consultation. Ask us anything, and know your rights before taking things further.

We’re just a phone call away

Approach a divorce financial settlement
in the right way

Reach a financial settlement without further pain

We’ll help you reach an agreement

True specialists in divorce financial settlements