Divorce in Cheshire
Based in Wilmslow, Sterling de Zuk helps couples who are going through divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership across Cheshire, including Chester, Warrington, Hale, Bowdon, Hale Barnes, Knutsford, Prestbury, Bramhall, Didsbury, Alderley Edge, Macclesfield, Altrincham, Sale, Chorlton and Tarporley. We also cover Media City.
We always aim for the least stressful, quickest, most economical and amicable way to reach a financial settlement during divorce.
No-Fault Divorce
The introduction of “no-fault” divorce and the government’s online portal has made the commencement of divorce proceedings easier, but solicitors are still required when it comes to formally sorting out financial matters as these are somewhat separate from the divorce proceedings.
If you do not have a financial arrangement enshrined in a Consent Order, you leave yourself open to financial claims from your ex-spouse in relation to income, assets and pensions both now and in the future.
That is why it is important to get legal advice from the outset. People’s circumstances change, and whilst you might both agree with arrangements now if one party becomes wealthier or suffers financial hardship in the future, attitudes may change. That is why you should sort out your financial affairs at the time of the divorce so you can get a clean break.
Divorce process and financial matters
Financial matters can be dealt with in a number of ways during divorce, the most common being:
- The couple reach an agreement between themselves
- The couple attend mediation and reach an agreement
- The couple exchange voluntary financial disclosure and then enter into solicitor-led negotiations either by correspondence or in a round table meeting
The intention is an agreement will be reached between the parties that will then be drawn up into a Consent Order, which is drafted by a solicitor. The Consent Order is then submitted to the Court and, once approved, becomes legally binding.
Whilst the starting point in a divorce’s financial settlement might be an equal division of assets, when considering the finances, the Court takes into account various factors such as each person’s respective financial needs, age, income and financial resources, the length of the marriage/ civil partnership and the contributions that have been made by each person. As a result, a 50/50 division of finances might not be appropriate.
How we can help
Sorting out finances and property after divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership can be complex, and you should take expert legal advice to protect your interests. Sterling de Zuk specialises in financial settlements and can offer legal advice to individuals throughout Cheshire. If your relationship has come to an end, we would encourage you to get in touch as soon as possible so that your financial situation can be assessed thoroughly.
Contact Mark Thomson on email: mark@zukdivorce.co.uk or phone: 0333 070 5651