Financial settlements after separation

Financial settlements are designed to be final, but certain significant changes in circumstances can justify revisiting the agreement, such as:

• Job loss or reduced income: If you lose your job or face a significant drop in income, it may become impossible to meet your agreed financial obligations.
• Serious illness or disability: If you or your ex-partner experience a health issue that impacts earning capacity, it may necessitate a review of the existing terms.
• Increase in financial needs: Changes in the needs of children, such as unexpected medical costs or educational expenses, may require adjustments to the maintenance payments.
• Discovery of hidden assets: If it is revealed that one party concealed assets during the initial agreement, the court may consider reopening the case to ensure a fair outcome.

When circumstances change, it’s usually always best to try and agree on new terms directly with your ex-partner. If this isn’t possible, our solicitors can assist you via the following options:

• Negotiation: We can engage in direct negotiations on your behalf, seeking a voluntary adjustment by consent that reflects your new circumstances.
• Mediation: Our team includes some of the most experienced mediators in the country, skilled at helping parties reach an amicable resolution without escalating the matter to court.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution: Where mediation may not be suitable, our Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services offer practical, cost-effective ways to reach agreement without going to court.

  Our ADR options include collaborative law, One Solicitor Solutions, private family dispute resolution (PFDR), early neutral evaluation (ENE), and arbitration. Each method provides a structured yet flexible process to help couples or families resolve financial and child-related issues efficiently and confidentially. These approaches often lead to quicker, less stressful outcomes while maintaining cooperation and prioritising the well-being of everyone involved.

• Court application: As a last resort, you may need to apply to the court to amend the settlement. This process requires demonstrating a significant change in circumstances or that the original agreement was unfair.

If an application to court becomes necessary, the judge will consider:

• Material change in circumstances: Whether there has been a significant change since the original order was made.
• Financial impact: How the change affects both parties’ financial positions and their ability to meet obligations.
• Fairness & reasonableness: Whether the existing settlement terms continue to be fair given the new circumstances.

Our solicitors at Anthony Gold will build a strong case on your behalf, presenting clear evidence and advocating for a fair adjustment.

Anthony Gold Solicitors is consistently ranked as a leading firm in family law by Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. Our team includes some of the most experienced family law solicitors and mediators in the UK. We are well-regarded for our ability to handle complex financial cases, including high-value assets, international property, and family businesses. Our expertise spans:

• Matrimonial finance: We handle all aspects of financial settlements and nuptial agreements, from dividing property and investments to dealing with pensions and ongoing maintenance.
• Complex children work: We provide clear, practical advice on children’s financial needs, including school fees and medical expenses for both married and unmarried couples.
• Cohabitation disputes: We advise on the division of assets for unmarried couples, ensuring that your rights are protected.

Our family law team offers a comprehensive service, blending comprehensive legal expertise with a practical understanding of the financial and personal complexities that affect your case. This means you get a well-rounded approach tailored to your individual needs.

We understand that every case is unique, and that the impact of financial settlements can be life-changing. At Anthony Gold Solicitors, we take the time to listen to your concerns and priorities, ensuring our advice aligns with your goals and objectives:

• We appreciate the emotional difficulties of separation and strive to provide compassionate and respectful support at every stage. 
• We explain each step of the process in straightforward terms, so you always know where you stand and what to expect.
• We customise our legal strategies to fit the specific circumstances of your case, whether it involves straightforward financial matters or intricate disputes.

We believe that legal support should be accessible and cost-effective. Our team is committed to resolving matters efficiently, avoiding unnecessary delays and costs. We aim to negotiated settlements and use methods such as mediation, collaborative law, One Solicitor Solutions, private family dispute resolution (PFDR), early neutral evaluation (ENE), and arbitration to find solutions without going to court wherever possible.

When court proceedings are unavoidable, you can trust that our solicitors will advocate tirelessly on your behalf, drawing on our extensive experience in family law litigation.

At Anthony Gold Solicitors, we often work alongside trusted financial advisors, pension experts, and business valuation professionals. This collaborative approach ensures that your financial settlement is not only fair but also reflects the full scope of your financial landscape, giving you the best foundation and technical advice for a secure future.