2025

When couples reach a financial agreement after divorce or legal separation, a consent order can be used to make that agreement legally binding. If approved by the court, the consent order dictates how the parties’ finances, such as property, savings, pensions, and any liabilities, will be divided in a legally enforceable way. Although many couples agree things amicably, a consent order ensures clarity and finality, giving both parties certainty for the future.

When a business is involved in a divorce, its valuation can become one of the most complex and contentious issues. Whether you are a business owner, or your spouse, understanding how the business will be valued and how its value will impact the division of assets is crucial. Divorce settlements in the UK require a fair and equitable division of assets, and businesses are often a significant part of the marital estate.

When it comes to divorce in the UK, the division of assets can be a complex process, especially when it involves inherited wealth. Many individuals wish to protect or "ring-fence" any inheritance they have received, ensuring that it remains separate from the marital estate and is not divided during the divorce settlement. However, ring-fencing inheritance is not always straightforward, and the courts will consider various factors before making a decision.

Separation for cohabiting couples can be a complex and emotional process, particularly as the automatic legal rights available to married couples do not apply. There is no concept of a “common law marriage” in the UK, and so the rights available to cohabiting couples on separation derive from different sources.

An occupation order determines who can live in a property when there is a dispute. Occupation orders are protective orders made in cases involving domestic abuse. When considering an application for an occupation order, the court applies the balance of harm test to assess whether an order is necessary to protect one party, and any children involved.

Divorce can be a difficult process, particularly if one spouse is unwilling to engage. Nevertheless, the introduction of no-fault divorce has simplified matters, reducing conflict and making it easier to proceed if one party does not cooperate.

Unmarried fathers often worry about their legal rights when it comes to their children, particularly in relation to spending time with them, and making decisions involving their welfare. While the law provides certain protections for unmarried fathers, understanding these rights is essential to protecting and furthering unmarried fathers’ roles in their children’s lives.

Dividing pensions during a divorce can be a complicated process. Pensions are often one of the most valuable assets in a divorce settlement, and a key source of income for many when providing for themselves in later life.