Financial Arrangements

Introduction >> Financial Arrangements


Financial Arrangements		The second element of divorce is the process to determine how the ‘fruits of the marriage’ should be shared. This covers the dividing of assets (house, pensions, savings) and the payment if applicable of maintenance payments.


Step 1	Apply For Ancillary Relief	To begin this process, one spouse has to apply for ancillary relief. This cannot be done until one of the parties has petitioned for divorce.

Step 2	Financial Disclosure	Both parties must openly share full details of their financial circumstances. This is called disclosure. The parties swap financial declarations (done on Form E) with bank statements, salary slips etc. Either side can then ask follow up questions.

Step 3	Negotiation	The parties then attempt to negotiate an agreement. To help them negotiate they may use the services of mediators or solicitors. The judge at a Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) also provides an opinion that often helps to close negotiations.

Step 4	Obtain Financial Order	In over 90% of cases a deal is reached at or before the FDR and is written up as a Consent Order. A small minority of cases proceed to a final hearing where the court hears arguments from both sides before imposing a settlement in a Court Order.