The settlement could include an agreement for one of you to pay the other a one-off lump sum. This may be, for example:
- Compensation for the other spouse or civil partner keeping major possessions (such as the home or pension savings).
- To enable one of you to buy something you need, such as a car or a house.
- To share the overall assets fairly.
- As an alternative to providing maintenance. The lump sum would be invested to provide one of you with a regular income. For help deciding how to invest a lump sum, contact an independent financial advisor - see Useful links.
A court can award only one lump sum, but it is possible for the sum to be paid in set amounts over a period of time, the amount of which cannot be changed, or by instalments. If the lump sum is said to be paid by instalments, the amount can go up or down if circumstances change.
