Financial disputes & settlements

Financial issues often go hand in hand with a relationship breakdown.

Our specialist family lawyers are all experienced in negotiating financial settlements and acting for clients in financial court proceedings.

Whilst we have a particular expertise in acting for high net worth individuals, we have a broad range of experience in the team and will allocate your case to the most appropriate lawyer for your needs.

We will consider your financial resources and needs, and those of any children involved, and discuss with you the most appropriate way of addressing the financial issues in your case. This may be through mediation, through voluntary financial disclosure between lawyers or, in some cases, through an application to the court for financial relief (known as Ancillary Relief).

We will also discuss whether your case is appropriate for collaborative law. Two lawyers in the team are qualified collaborative lawyers, Joanna Pratt and Desmond O'Donnell.  

We will advise you about the various financial claims available to married couples and civil partners upon a divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, including claims for periodical payments (maintenance), lump sums, orders in respect of property ownership, and pensions. We are also able to advise and assist in relation to child maintenance and making claims through the Child Support Agency.

Your lawyer will give you realistic and practical advice about your case and will carry out a 'cost-benefit' analysis with you when deciding upon the most appropriate course of action. We will continue to apply this 'cost-benefit' analysis throughout the course of your case.

If you decide not to commence divorce proceedings immediately, but still wish to address financial matters with your spouse or civil partner, we can advise you about separation agreements. We can act for you in negotiating the terms of a separation agreement and draft an agreement for signature.

The team has strong relationships with specialist family law barristers both in London and the South East. We will work with you to choose the most appropriate barrister for your case, should it be necessary to involve one. We also have good relationships with local accountants, independent financial advisers, surveyors and pensions experts.

For further information please contact one of the team.