The process of divorce can lead to considerable emotional and financial worry. You may be concerned whether you will have a right to live in and keep your home, who will pay for costs relating to your children, and how your assets and finances will be split. As a London based law firm, AQ Archers Solicitors will work hard to provide you with peace of mind.

We will listen to what you would like to aim for when agreeing to a financial agreement, and work hard to put in place a strategy to reach those objectives. If necessary, we can bring in experts in their respective fields to help build a robust case, including barristers, doctors, forensic accountants, and investigators. Our family law Solicitors understand the importance of confidentiality and will be respectful and empathetic to your needs throughout the process of achieving a financial settlement. Furthermore, we understand the importance of preserving, where possible, ongoing relationships between parties to divorce, both in the interests of any children involved, and to ensure that any agreements are adhered to and respected.

We can assist with any financial settlement matter, including:

• Child maintenance
• Companies
• Family businesses
• Financial Orders – creation, enforcement, and variation
• Investments (e.g. shares, property, assets)
• International assets
• Property valuation and division (domestic or international)
• Savings
• Pension valuation
• Spousal maintenance
• Trusts

What is a Consent Order?

A Consent Order is put in place once you and your ex-wife/husband have agreed on a financial settlement and sets out how you will divide your money, assets, income, and property.

What if we cannot agree on a financial settlement?

If you cannot agree on a financial settlement with your ex-wife/husband, you may be required to attend mediation (if this is appropriate). In our experience, mediation can prove very effective in finding a compromise between parties. If this does not resolve the matter, it can then be decided by the Courts.

It is important to remember that while the Courts will try to be fair, they may not make a decision which is agreeable to both parties. They will make their determination based on a range of factors including your ages, ability to earn, standard of living, and your respective roles in the marriage or civil partnership prior to the divorce (i.e. whether you looked after children and whether you were the main income earner for the family).

The Court may issue a maintenance order which requires one person to make payments to the more financially dependant party, either for a fixed period (i.e. until that person can reasonably be expected to become more financially independent) or until an event in the future such as remarrying.

Can we have a ‘clean break’?

The Court will consider whether a clean break is appropriate given the circumstances; this means the financial obligations for either party towards the other will come to an end. It may

be deemed appropriate if the marriage was short, one party is not dependant on the other, or if one person has moved on to a new relationship.

Why should I engage AQ Archers to assist with my financial settlement?

Firstly, and foremost, we care and will do the best we can to help you and your loved ones. We firmly believe that all parties to a divorce should be treated with respect, fairness, and transparency, especially during the financial settlement process. We have assisted in many financial settlements and have the experience to ensure the best possible outcome. If children are involved, we understand that it is important to preserve relationships as much as possible, in their long term interests. This will ensure ongoing cooperation in relation to child arrangement matters and financial arrangements.

AQ Archers, based in London, can assist you with all aspects of financial arrangements following divorce. To speak to one of our consultants, please call 020 8521 2605.