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Read our latest Financial Settlements guide (2021)

What are we each entitled to in our divorce settlement?

What does the law say about how to split the house, how to share pensions and other assets, and how much maintenance is payable.

What steps can we take to reach a fair agreement?

The four basic steps to reaching an agreement on divorce finances are: disclosure, getting advice, negotiating and implementing a Consent Order.

What is a Consent Order and why do we need one?

A Consent Order is a legally binding document that finalises a divorcing couple's agreement on property, pensions and other assets.

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Luna Shadow
Posted by
Platinum Member

28 Dec 15 #471218 by Luna Shadow

Topic started by Luna Shadow

I''m the respondent and the final hearing has been set at one day.

What would be a normal length of time to talk for during the opening speech (I assume I get to do one as well as the applicant''s barrister - I''m self repping).

Just want to make sure I''m prepared!

TurboB
Platinum Member

29 Dec 15 #471240 by TurboB

Reply from TurboB

have something prepared in case. At my FH, only the applicant side made an opening and no opportunity was given to me as respondent which I found suprising.

Luna Shadow
Posted by
Platinum Member

29 Dec 15 #471251 by Luna Shadow

Reply from Luna Shadow

How on earth are you supposed to present your argument then?

Is it just written, in the skeleton?

I need to make sure I don''t get bulldozed, just because I''m a LIP

TurboB
Platinum Member

29 Dec 15 #471252 by TurboB

Reply from TurboB

i can only speak on my experience - through cross examiniation using that as an opportunbity to correct/rebut the applicants openingh statement, and also through your summing up at the end.

s59
Platinum Member

30 Dec 15 #471356 by s59

Reply from s59

Yes have the speeches prepared, shortish, and identify chunks you can cut out if you feel you need to shorten. My limited experience is that the judges tend to drive what they want to hear anyway so you rarely get free "speech" time, but if you''ve prepared a speech you''ll have given it sufficient thought that you''ll be able to address most situations. Good luck!

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