Further Support for Divorce & Financial Matters
What is a Divorce Financial Settlement?
A divorce financial settlement is the legal process of deciding how financial matters between spouses or civil partners will be resolved following separation.
It must be approved by the court (either following an agreement between the parties by way of a consent order or after a court judgement is made following contested court proceedings).
A divorce settlement can address issues such as property and savings division, pension sharing, lump-sum payments, and spousal maintenance.
Our financial settlement solicitors guide clients through the financial settlement process from start to finish.
That includes advising on what claims may be available, helping you understand the evidence and disclosure required, negotiating where possible, and representing you in court if needed.
Whether you are seeking a fair financial settlement in a divorce or responding to a claim, our team focuses on protecting your position and working towards the right outcome for you.
Who We Act For
We act for individuals at every stage of the divorce process, from those looking to resolve finances as straightforwardly as possible to those with complex or high-value assets.
Our clients include:
- Individuals and families seeking a fair financial settlement
- Those who have already divorced without a financial order in place
- Those bringing or defending a financial claim on divorce
- Spouses and civil partners at any stage of separation
- Business Owners, Company Directors & Shareholders
- Professionals and Entrepreneurs
- People in the media spotlight
- Those with large property portfolios and properties overseas
- Those who have interests in trusts
- Those with inherited or pre-marital wealth
Our Divorce Financial Settlements & Orders Service
Financial Remedies & Financial Orders on Divorce
Financial Remedies & Financial Orders on Divorce
A financial remedy application is a court process used to resolve and determine how financial assets are distributed on divorce. They were previously referred to as “ancillary relief proceedings”. In practice, the process usually involves:
- making or responding to an application for a financial order
- exchanging financial disclosure
- negotiating a divorce settlement where possible
- making an application to the court to decide the outcome if an agreement cannot be reached
Costs can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the extent and complexity of financial documents to be disclosed, and whether the matter settles or proceeds to a contested court hearing.
Our team will explain the likely steps, the documents and evidence you will need, and the potential cost implications from the outset, so you can make informed decisions about your financial settlement strategy.
Whether you are seeking a financial order or responding to a financial claim made by your spouse or ex-spouse, we can advise on the full range of financial remedy proceedings and the likely outcomes, including how the court may deal with property, pensions, lump sums and spousal maintenance as part of your divorce settlement.
A financial order can set out how your financial settlement will be handled, including arrangements for property, savings and investments, pensions, business assets, and ongoing spousal maintenance.
If you and your spouse or civil partner reach an agreement, you can usually ask the court to record that outcome in a financial consent order.
This is important because it converts your agreement into a court-approved order, helping to resolve financial claims. If you cannot agree, the court can still make a financial order.
In that situation, the judge may decide matters such as lump sum payments, transfers of property, pension sharing, and spousal maintenance as part of the overall divorce settlement.
We act for individuals on both sides, whether you need to bring a claim to protect your financial interests or you are defending a financial claim brought against you.
Defending a Financial Claim
If your former spouse or ex-civil partner has made a financial claim against you, or you believe a claim is likely, it is important to take legal advice quickly.
A financial claim can include applications for a share of your property, a lump sum payment, spousal maintenance, or a pension sharing order, and the court has wide powers to make orders over assets held in your sole name.
Acting early gives you the best chance of protecting your position.
Our solicitors can assess the strength of the claim against you, advise on the likely range of outcomes, and help you build a clear strategy, whether that means negotiating a settlement that protects your key assets or defending the claim through to a final hearing.
We also advise clients who have received a claim years after their divorce was finalised, which is possible where no financial order was made at the time.
The Financial Court Procedure
Financial Settlement After Divorce
Many people now apply directly to the court for a divorce without realising that a divorce order on its own does not finalise the financial position between you and your former spouse.Unless a clean break financial order is obtained at the same time as a divorce, financial claims can be pursued long after the termination of the marriage.
Our Team can advise on the merits of bringing a financial application after the marriage has ended.. In general, there is no fixed time limit for bringing a financial claim after divorce until a financial order is made. That is why getting early legal advice is so important: it helps you understand your position, assess the risk of a claim, and take steps to protect your assets as part of the wider financial settlement.
We strongly recommend that anyone who has divorced without a financial settlement seek legal advice as soon as possible.
How Are Assets Divided in a Divorce?
When deciding a divorce settlement, the court looks at a range of factors, but it does not automatically split everything 50/50. Instead, the aim is to reach a fair outcome based on the circumstances of both parties.
The court will consider:
- Your income and earning capacity
- Your financial needs (including housing and day-to-day living)
- The standard of living during the marriage
- The age and length of the marriage
- Each party’s health
- The contributions made to the family, including homemaking and caring responsibilities, are treated as equal to income-earning contributions
In practice, this means the division of assets may be equal in some cases, but it can also be different when fairness requires it, for example, when one party needs greater financial support or when there are significant differences in earning capacity or needs. This is why getting early legal advice is so important when planning a financial settlement, divorce, and negotiating a divorce settlement that reflects the court’s approach.
Matrimonial assets, those built up during the marriage, are generally divided equally.
Non-matrimonial assets, such as inherited wealth, pre-marital wealth, and trust interests, are usually excluded unless necessary to meet the reasonable needs of both parties.
Why Work With Our Family Team?
- Our specialist family law solicitors are experts in complex, high-value divorce, and family disputes.
- Our family law solicitors are recognised by the Legal 500.
- Our family team are all members of Resolution, the largest organisation of family lawyers in the UK, and are dedicated to dealing with matters in a non-confrontational and constructive way.
- Our team were shortlisted for the family law firm of the year (North) and financial remedies team of the year (National) at the Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards 2022.
- Our team work closely with other departments internally, including property, employment, corporate and commercial lawyers, to ensure that your financial needs are protected comprehensively.
- We provide a partner-led service to ensure you receive the very best legal advice and support for your family law issues.
- We have a large team of expert solicitors and can meet your deadlines.
- We are a full-service law firm operating from a one-site office, which means our teams communicate effectively and efficiently.
- We use the latest technology to ensure that we are working as efficiently. Geographical distance is no bar to us from providing excellent client service.
- We provide regular legal updates via our blogs, social media and local radio appearances.
- Look at the Myerson Promise for further benefits of working with us here.
- With our MSI Global Alliance Membership, we can connect you to trusted advisers in 100+ countries who can provide international legal advice for individuals and families.
- We assist families throughout England and Wales, with strong local expertise in Cheshire, Altrincham, and Manchester.
When you call our Family team, you will speak directly to a solicitor who can give you clear, informed advice from the outset. At Myerson, we pride ourselves on being accessible, approachable, and responsive, making sure you get the support you need when you need it most.
Can You Divorce Without Sorting Out Finances?
Couples increasingly choose to separate and divorce without having sorted out their finances, which could be attributed to the advent of a more accessible online divorce service, but there are implications for not finalising financial matters by... 5 minutes
Read blog
Testimonials
Mrs S, Liverpool
I went to Myerson and I could not have found a better, and more welcoming firm of solicitors. As well as their professionalism, Myerson offer charming surroundings, enhanced by friendly and helpful reception staff.
Mrs T
It was so wonderful to meet the Myerson Family Team. The whole experience felt relaxed and completely free from pressure, and everything was explained clearly and in layman’s terms, which was incredibly important to me during such a difficult time. I left feeling truly heard and respected, not just like another case in a system. Brittany made me feel seen as a person, and that meant everything to me.
Mr. H
Fantastic service from Sarah Whitelegge and Nichola Bright. Both highly knowledgeable, experienced and approachable dealing with all queries and concerns in a timely and professional manner.
Mrs P., Northwich
Jane Tenquist remained calm and determined throughout. Her professionalism and knowledge of divorce law is beyond reproach. Jane gave me support at a time when I needed it most and from that the strength and confidence to fight for what was rightfully mine. I am very grateful to Jane and I would not hesitate in recommending her to anyone who is in need of a Divorce Lawyer.
M A, Urmston
From start to finish everything done by Myerson was perfect. Nothing was any trouble, no matter how many times I contacted them over matters.
Mr L.
Did not have any issues that I had not thought had been dealt with efficiently or effectively. Would recommend to others.
Miss W., Altrincham
The Solicitors at Myerson were really helpful and dealt with my case really quickly. They kept me updated throughout and the whole process was very smooth, thank you!
Mr P., Stretford
It’s been a pleasure working with you. Your approach has been a breath of fresh air.
Mrs F., Altrincham
Very friendly professional service shown at all times. It made a huge difference to see a smile greeting you at those meetings; and a friendly voice on the end of a phone when your world seems to be crumbling around you.
Mr F, Heald Green
Excellent service. I would not hesitate in recommending Myerson. Nichola Bright was outstanding! Nothing was too much trouble for her.
Mr J., Rixton
Myerson Solicitors conducted my business in a highly professional manner. I was consistently kept informed of progress and any questions I had were answered in a timely manner.
Mr S, Warrington
I found Jane Tenquist to be both very knowledgeable, professional and easy to relate to. I would have no hesitation in recommending Jane or Myerson.
Mr D, Knutsford
An outstanding service with thoughtful and relevant advice given throughout. Highly recommend.
Mrs F, Altrincham
I would certainly recommend Nichola Bright. She showed empathy and understanding throughout the whole process. She is a very professional and caring solicitor.
Legal 500, 2021
An excellent matrimonial department within a larger firm, enabling the matrimonial team to harness advice on commercial matters in the drop of a hat.
Legal 500, 2021
The team is headed by Jane Tenquist; her ability to listen, knowledge of this area of law, deciphering relevant key information critical to the matter and progression is highly commendable. Jane’s team are equally strong in these skills and together they work excellently. As a client I have felt to be in a very safe set of hands and I say thank you for your hard work.
Legal 500, 2021
As a client of the practice I have experienced positive and practical guidance from my first introduction. Filing for divorce following 35 years of marriage was a very traumatic life event but I have been supported and guided throughout the whole process. My wishes were listened to and then legal advice given provided as to my various actions.
Legal 500, 2021
They have an approachable, honest manner that is supported by extensive knowledge and experience. Nichola Bright offers her clients the feeling of confidence in her advice as well as her understanding and appreciation of the challenges they are facing. She has the human touch that is so valuable to clients.
Legal 500, 2022
They ensure that relevant experts are brought into the process when matters are outside the remit of the lawyers. This ensures clients get the best possible advice.
Legal 500, 2022
The individual team members are thorough in their approach to dealing with client enquiries and fully understand the need to ensure outside experts like myself are brought into the process when required. This gives clients the reassurance that all avenues have been explored when dealing with their case.
Jill
A complex and challenging case. However, Gemma constantly eased our anxiety and worries with her sound advice and calm, swift responses to our endless queries. She was always very professional and knowledgeable, able to explain clearly and concisely in both legal terms and layman's terms when we struggled to understand some of the complexities of the case. Always friendly and approachable, I would recommend her in a heartbeat. As a company they were very fair with their fees for which we are very grateful. A great service all round.
I wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you for the unwavering support and assistance you've provided thus far in handling my case. Today, our barrister delivered an outstanding performance, which fills me with optimism that we will continue to persevere with this level of dedication until the conclusion. Your assistance has been invaluable to me, especially during times of mental strain. Your unwavering support has truly made a significant difference.
Mr. Ahmad
I want to express my sincere thanks to Jane for her outstanding legal representation and unwavering support throughout my divorce and financial settlement case. Her expertise, diligence, and dedication were instrumental in achieving a favourable outcome.
Irfan
I cannot express enough gratitude for Jane Tenquist and her exceptional team at Myerson. During one of the most challenging periods of my life, they provided invaluable legal counsel and unwavering support. Ms Jane Tenquist is not only a brilliant legal mind but also an incredibly compassionate and understanding individual. She approached my divorce and financial settlement case with a keen eye for detail and a strategic approach, ensuring I received the best possible outcome. Her ability to navigate complex legal matters with ease and clarity was truly impressive.
Mr. C
Thank you so much – Jane and her team's support, professionalism and thoroughness throughout the last year has been superb.
Liam Kelly, Barrister, Deans Court Chambers
I have found Joe's management of this case…exceptional and well beyond his years. There have been some knotty issues in this matter…and his ability to cut through them and see the bigger picture is a credit to him.
Mr D
I would like to thank Nichola, and the family team, for all the guidance and support you provided to me during a very difficult time. This was much appreciated.
Finances on Divorce Video
Divorce Financial Settlements & Financial Orders FAQs
How much do financial settlement solicitors cost?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and it’s understandable.
The cost of a financial settlement depends on the complexity of your case and the work involved, particularly where there are issues such as pensions, business assets, trusts, overseas property, or detailed financial disclosure.
In many matters, costs will be influenced by factors such as:
- the amount of disclosure required and how quickly information is provided
- whether the case can be resolved by agreement (for example, through a consent order) or requires contested proceedings
- the need for specialist reports (such as pensions advice, business valuations, or tax input)
- the number of hearings and how long the matter takes to reach a final financial settlement
When you speak to our financial settlement solicitors, we will explain the likely steps, the documents and evidence you may need, and the cost implications from the outset, so you can plan your financial settlement strategy with confidence.
If you would like, we can also talk through practical options for managing costs in your particular circumstances, including how we approach negotiation to help you reach the right outcome efficiently.
How are trusts dealt with on divorce?
Assets or income derived from a trust are generally treated as non-matrimonial property and are not automatically shared on divorce. However, if the matrimonial assets are not sufficient to meet both parties' reasonable needs, the court has a wide discretion to treat trust assets or income as a financial resource of the beneficiary. The court can join trustees as parties to proceedings, order disclosure of trust documents, require trustees to give evidence, and in some cases order that a trust be set aside. Trust issues on divorce require specialist advice, and our team has significant experience in handling these cases.
How are pensions divided on divorce?
Pensions are often one of the most valuable assets in a marriage and are capable of being shared on divorce.
Where pension assets are substantial or there are multiple pension schemes, it is advisable to instruct a pension actuary to advise on the value of the benefits, how best to equalise capital and income, and whether a pension sharing order, pension attachment, or offsetting arrangement is most appropriate.
Our solicitors work closely with specialist pension actuaries to make sure you receive clear, tailored advice.
How are farming assets divided on divorce?
Farming divorces are often particularly complex because the farm may have been in the same family for generations, land may be owned by third parties or held in trust, and the business may depend on subsidies, stewardship agreements or diversified income streams. Myerson is ranked as a Top Tier firm by the Legal 500 for advice on agricultural estate issues. Our Family Team regularly advises on the valuation of agricultural land, farming businesses, plant and machinery, and on the interaction between matrimonial and non-matrimonial wealth in farming cases.
How are business assets divided on divorce?
A business will often need to be valued by a forensic accountant as part of the financial negotiations. The expert may assess the value of the shares, the liquidity available to support a lump sum, the tax consequences of any sale or transfer, and the reasonable sustainable income the shareholder can generate. The court can order a sale of the business, a transfer to one spouse, or allow one spouse to retain the business in exchange for a larger share of other assets or ongoing maintenance. Our team works closely with forensic accountants and Myerson's corporate and commercial property departments to find solutions that protect the business while achieving a fair settlement.
How are inherited assets divided on divorce?
Inherited assets are generally treated as non-matrimonial property and are usually excluded from division between the parties. However, if the matrimonial assets are not sufficient to meet the reasonable needs of both spouses, the court has a wide discretion to take inherited wealth into account. The outcome will depend on the specific facts of each case, including the value of the inheritance, when it was received, and whether it has been mixed with matrimonial assets.
What are matrimonial and non-matrimonial assets?
Matrimonial assets are those built up by the parties during the marriage - typically including the family home, savings and pensions accumulated during the relationship.
These are generally divided equally. Non-matrimonial assets are those acquired before or after the marriage, or from an independent source such as an inheritance, a gift from a third party, a trust interest, or personal injury compensation.
Non-matrimonial assets are usually excluded from division, unless they are needed to meet the reasonable needs of both parties.
Read more about matrimonial and non-matrimonial assets.
What is the financial remedy court procedure?
Financial remedy proceedings are the court process used to resolve financial disputes on divorce.
Either party can apply by filing Form A, provided divorce proceedings have been issued and a Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting (MIAM) has taken place.
The court procedure involves several stages - from the exchange of detailed financial statements in Form E, through a First Directions Appointment to identify the issues, to a Financial Dispute Resolution hearing aimed at reaching a settlement.
If agreement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to a Final Hearing where a judge makes a binding decision.
What is the financial disclosure process on divorce?
Both parties have a legal duty to provide full and transparent disclosure of their financial position, supported by documentary evidence.
This applies whether you are negotiating directly, using mediation, or going through the court process.
The disclosure will typically cover property valuations, mortgage statements, bank statements, business accounts, pension values, insurance policies, savings, investments, debts and income details.
Many cases settle after an exchange of financial information and solicitor-led negotiations, without ever needing to go to court.
What factors are considered when dividing assets on divorce?
The court looks at a range of factors to reach a fair divorce settlement, including each party's income and earning capacity, financial needs and obligations, the standard of living during the marriage, the ages of the parties and the length of the marriage, any health issues or disabilities, and the contributions each party has made to the family — including homemaking and childcare, which are treated as equal to financial contributions. In rare cases, conduct may also be taken into account.
The court's aim is to achieve an outcome that is fair in all the circumstances, not simply to split everything equally.
Can you get a divorce without a financial settlement?
Yes, but it is risky. Without a financial consent order or clean break order, your former spouse could bring a financial claim against you at any point in the future. We strongly recommend that financial matters be resolved alongside, or shortly after, divorce proceedings.
How long does a divorce financial settlement take?
The honest answer is that timelines vary. A straightforward financial settlement divorce where both parties engage early, provide full disclosure promptly, and reach agreement quickly can sometimes be resolved in a matter of months. Where there are disputes about assets, pensions, business interests, trusts, or overseas property, the process can take longer, particularly if the matter needs to be decided by the court.
In most cases, the key stages that affect timing are:
- exchanging financial disclosure
- negotiating a divorce settlement and considering whether a consent order can be agreed upon
- preparing for a hearing if an agreement cannot be reached. If you are dealing with complex financial issues, we may also need specialist reports (for example, on pension or business valuations, or tax implications), which can add time but help ensure the final outcome is accurate and properly evidenced.
When you speak to our team, we will explain the likely timetable for your situation and what you can do to keep the process moving, so you have clear expectations from the outset.
What should I do if my ex has made a financial claim against me?
Take legal advice as soon as possible.
A financial claim from a former spouse can cover property, pensions, lump sums and maintenance, and the court has wide powers to make orders even over assets held in your sole name.
Early advice gives you the best chance of protecting your position, whether that means negotiating a settlement on favourable terms or preparing to defend the claim at a hearing.
We regularly act for clients responding to financial claims, including those brought years after the divorce, and can advise on the strength of the claim and the most effective strategy for your circumstances.
Can my ex make a property claim against me after the divorce?
Yes, if no financial order has been made. Without a court-approved order dismissing financial claims, your former spouse or ex-civil partner could apply for a property adjustment order, potentially seeking a transfer of property or a share of the proceeds of sale, regardless of who owns the property and regardless of how long ago you divorced. This applies to your home, investment properties, and any other property you own. The only way to prevent a future property claim is to obtain a financial order that formally resolves all claims.
How do I make a financial claim after a divorce?
You apply to the court by filing Form A after obtaining a MIAM certificate from a mediator. The financial remedy proceedings that follow are the same process as during divorce. Our solicitors can advise whether you have a viable claim and guide you through it.
Can a divorce financial settlement be changed later?
Once a financial order has been approved by the court, it is generally final and binding on both parties.
The court will only consider changing an order in exceptional circumstances, for example, where one party deliberately hid assets or failed to give honest financial disclosure, where there has been fraud, or where a significant and unforeseeable event occurs shortly after the order was made (such as one party receiving a very large inheritance that neither side knew about).
Simply feeling that the settlement was unfair, or experiencing a change in income or lifestyle over time, is unlikely to be enough. If no financial order has been made at all, however, the position is very different; financial claims remain open indefinitely, and either party can apply to the court at any time.
This is why obtaining a properly drafted financial order, whether through a consent order or contested proceedings, is so important.
Can a divorce financial settlement be reopened?
In limited circumstances, for example, where there has been a failure to make material disclosure assets or there has been a significant change in circumstances. The bar is high, which is why getting the settlement right the first time matters.
Can my ex claim my inheritance?
Inherited assets are generally treated as non-matrimonial property. However, if other assets are insufficient to meet both parties' needs, the court may consider inheritance.
Can my ex-spouse claim my house or property after divorce?
Without a financial order, your ex-spouse could make a claim against your property regardless of whose name it is in. A court-approved financial order is the only way to prevent future claims.
Can my ex-husband or ex-wife claim my pension after divorce?
If no financial order is in place, your ex-spouse may be able to claim against your pension even years after the divorce.
Pensions are often one of the most valuable matrimonial assets.
The only way to protect them is to obtain a financial order.
Meet Our Family Solicitors
Home-grown or recruited from national, regional or City firms. Our family lawyers are experts in their fields and respected by their peers.
Contact Our Divorce Financial Settlement Solicitors
You can contact a member of our team using the contact form below or by phoning us on
0161 941 4000
Latest Myerson Family Law News
The Remarriage Trap: What Every Divorced Person Should Know Before Saying “I Do” Again
For many, a second marriage is a true new beginning, a chance to improve with hindsight. Second marriages are far from uncommon. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) , around one in three opposite-sex marriages in England and Wales involve at least one person who has been married before. With thousands of divorced people...
Read Blog
Myerson Magazine Summer 2026 Issue
We're pleased to share the latest issue of Myerson Magazine, bringing together practical legal insights, updates on significant legislative changes and stories from across the firm. In this Summer edition, our experts explore the legal issues affecting individuals, families, business owners and property investors, from the Renters' Rights Act and...
Read Newsletter
Family Law and Neurodiversity: Improving Access to Justice
In the latest episode of My Family Pod , host Joe Ferguson , Associate Solicitor in the Family Team at Myerson , is joined by specialist Family Law Barrister Natasha Khalique of Exchange Chambers for an insightful discussion on neurodivergence in family law proceedings .
Listen to the Podcast
What Is Posthumous Conception and Is It Legal in the UK?
Recent media coverage has highlighted the story of former professional footballer Joe Thompson's widow, Chantelle Thompson, who is expecting a baby boy through IVF treatment following her husband's death. Her story has brought posthumous conception into the public spotlight and prompted questions about how the law regulates the use of stored...
Read Blog
Nichola Bright Joins BBC Morning Live to Discuss Posthumous Conception
Recent media coverage has highlighted the story of former professional footballer Joe Thompson's widow, Chantelle Thompson, who is expecting a baby boy through IVF treatment following her husband's death. To help explain the law surrounding these arrangements, our Partner and fertility and surrogacy law specialist, Nichola Bright...
Read News
Surrogacy and Succession: What the Longleat Trust Case Means for Modern Inheritance Disputes
A recent High Court decision involving the Longleat estate highlights an emerging challenge in trust and probate law: applying historic trust instruments to modern family structures, particularly those created through assisted reproduction and surrogacy. Although the case is rooted in aristocratic wealth, the legal principles are widely relevant...
Read Blog