Whether you are married or in a civil partnership, financial disputes often arise if you separate. These issues can be particularly complex where property, pensions, savings, and income are concerned. When a relationship breaks down, the financial consequences can be significant for both parties.
Financial dispute resolution following divorce and civil partnership dissolution
At Grant Saw, our experienced family law solicitors based in London provide expert legal advice on financial dispute resolution. We help clients understand their rights and guide them toward a fair settlement.
Why you need legal advice for financial disputes
Separating couples often find it tough to agree on how to split their assets. And it's rarely as simple as splitting everything 50/50. Financial matters can get pretty heated, and without clear guidance, it's easy to let things get bogged down in the process.
Our expert divorce and dissolution financial solicitors will work with you from the get-go to:
- Help you understand the current situation with your family home and other property
- Guide you through the ins and outs of pensions and pension sharing
- Provide clear advice on savings and investments
- Help you navigate business interests
- Look at income and spousal maintenance
Backed by our extensive knowledge, we'll work hard to protect your financial interests. We'll aim to secure the best possible outcome, whether that's through negotiation, mediation, or going to court. If costs are a concern, we can also discuss funding options.
How financial disputes are managed
Financial settlement proceedings (also known as financial remedy proceedings) usually kick off with both parties sharing full financial disclosure. That means you'll need to provide all the financial details, including info on your assets, liabilities, and income. And if there's any missing information, it can hold things up.
Our London-based solicitors will:
- Take a close look at your financial position and the info provided by your ex-partner
- Advise you on what kind of settlement outcome you might be looking at, based on the circumstances
- Use their experience to help you reach an agreement through negotiation
- Represent you in mediation or at a court hearing if that's what's needed
If we do manage to reach an agreement, we'll draw up a separation agreement or a consent order, which then gets approved by the Family Court. Once it's been approved, it becomes a legally binding financial order that prevents any further discussions or claims in the future.
The court process and financial dispute resolution hearings
If things can't be sorted out through negotiation, we may need to take things further through the courts, which is when the FDR process comes in. This usually involves three stages:
- First appointment: an initial procedural hearing to get everything sorted out and make sure all the necessary evidence and details are in place.
- Financial dispute resolution (FDR) hearing: this is where a judge tries to assist the parties in reaching an agreement, giving an indication of what they think is a fair outcome to try to encourage a settlement. This is all "without prejudice," so the judge's comments can't be used at a final trial. Some couples also opt for a private FDR, which can speed things up and often takes place at a more convenient time.
- Final hearing: if we can't agree on a settlement, a final hearing takes place, where a judge hears both sides and makes a final decision on how to split your assets (and income).
Timescales and costs
How long it takes to settle this dispute depends heavily on the complexity of your finances and the willingness of either you or your spouse/civil partner to compromise.
- Agreed settlements: often finalised within over several months.
- Court proceedings: typically take 12 -18 months, though this can vary depending on court availability.
Regarding costs, our aim is always to resolve matters as cost-effectively as possible. Court action should be a last resort, as legal fees can escalate over several months.
Your first consultation with our solicitors is a fixed fee of £150 + VAT. After assessing your situation, we will provide a clear estimate of future costs.
What to consider before contacting us
To help us advise you effectively, it is useful to gather key information before your first meeting. This includes:
- Details of your assets and liabilities
- Pension information
- Income and expenditure
- Any relevant financial documents
Having this ready allows our solicitor to give accurate advice from the start. Please note that to obtain a financial order in a divorce, you generally need to have reached the conditional order stage (formerly decree nisi). Furthermore, you cannot usually apply for a divorce until you have been married for at least one year and the marriage has irretrievably broken down.
Why choose Grant Saw?
- We are a specialist family law firm with offices in Greenwich and Blackheath.
- We have extensive experience in divorce and civil partnership dissolution.
- We provide transparent fees and clear advice on financial arrangements.
- We take a strategic approach to ensure financial support for you and any children involved.
We are trusted by clients across London and beyond to handle complex disputes. Whether you need to negotiate with a difficult partner or simply want to ensure your completed form is accurate, we can help.
Contact us today
For expert advice on financial settlements and dispute resolution, contact our specialist team today. We can help you navigate the process until the final hearing, deal with the money, and ensure a secure future.
Email family@grantsaw.co.uk or call 020 8858 6971.
We are currently offering a free, initial telephone consultation. Feel free to contact us or leave your details here, and a member of the team will be in touch at a time that suits you.
