When a relationship breaks down and legal proceedings are taken, one of the most important issues is to deal with the financial aspects of your relationship. This includes dealing with property, lump sums, maintenance, pensions, etc. These aspects can be very complex and costly. It is important that you obtain the right advice in dealing with these matters so as to ensure that, if they are not agreed, you have clear advice and your interests are properly represented from the initial negotiations to a final hearing.
We have highly experienced Family Law Solicitors throughout our offices, who deal with financial matters and financial remedy proceedings on behalf of individuals and families from a wide range of backgrounds. We are, therefore, well equipped to act for you and to advise and assist you in dealing with what is one of the most important problems that will impact your future life following the breakdown of a relationship. The Head of our Department Judith Williamson (Shepperton Office) is a member of the Law Society Advanced Family Panel with specialism in financial matters and unmarried family financial matters.
Financial Matters for Divorcing Couples
The court requires the parties to attend mediation before any application to resolve financial matters is made. We can assist you in preparing for mediation and deal with any discussions that have taken place. If mediation fails, then we can act on your behalf in dealing with your financial remedy application.
There are also other methods of dealing with financial remedy, such as arbitration, which may be a quicker method of dealing with matters that you both agree to be bound by.
If an agreement can be reached following disclosure of all assets, then this can be embodied into a Consent Order, which can be approved by the Court to finalise matters.
Financial Matters for Unmarried Couples
There is no such thing as “common law” marriage, and unmarried cohabitating couples don’t have the same rights as couples who marry or enter into a civil partnership. This means they must rely on other, less well-known, areas of law when looking to resolve financial matters and shared ownership. One such example is Trust Law. We have developed particular expertise in assisting cohabitants to make a claim under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA). The law and procedure that applies in these cases are very different from family proceedings and therefore require a keen eye, strong attention to detail and robust advocacy. We have developed particularly honed expertise in this area, and a deep understanding of what is required when making a TOLATA claim.
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Contact our Family Law Solicitors in London, Surrey and Middlesex
Established in 1921, Owen White & Catlin have been providing Divorce and Family Law services throughout South West London, Surrey and Middlesex for many years. Our offices are staffed by teams of expert solicitors and support staff, making it easy for you to get in touch when you need us. Contact us using our online
Our solicitors will consider clients who are looking to fund their case through legal aid. A legal aid award for civil cases will be dependent on your financial position, the type of legal issue, and also the strength of your case. If you are unsure if you are eligible for legal aid, or if you are worried about how to pay for legal advice or representation, speak to our team who will be able to help you with the application process and can advise you on our different options available to you.
