Financial Settlements

We are experts in dealing with financial arrangements arising of divorce. These arrangements must be placed in a Court Order, known as a Consent Order.

In divorce, a financial settlement is called a Consent Order

A Consent Order is filed at Court recording the financial agreement reached between you following the divorce. It is crucial to ask for a Clean Break.

This ensures neither party can make further claims against the other, during life or death. A judge will make the Order without you attending Court.

Two lawyers sat opposite each other. They are deep in conversation and smiling.

The importance of a financial settlement

Regardless of your assets, a Consent Order is necessary in every case to protect your future. Even if you have nothing at all now, you could move into the property ladder, inherit money or even win the lottery in the future. If you do, your ex-spouse could return to make a claim against you, unless you obtain a Clean Break.

If you have assets, for example your home or pension, the Consent Order will record how these will be divided between you and when. Of course, every case is different and a Consent Order will be tailored to your individual circumstances and can determine what is to happen to any kind of asset. We will help to make sure the Order is appropriate and likely to be approved by the Judge. This allows you to reach an amicable and final settlement without the time and expense of Court proceedings.

What to expect

We will meet with you to understand your financial circumstances. We will need a detailed list of your  assets, pensions, debt, income and outgoings. We need the same information from the other party so we will need to plan how best to understand the full picture.

We will write to the other party to agree on a date to exchange details of each of your financial circumstances. If your spouse is willing, we will then prepare your financial information sometimes on a document called a Form E. Your spouse will do the same. We will exchange the forms on the agreed date. We then discuss the information on your spouse’s form with you to decide if we need to ask questions or seek further information.

When we have all the information and supporting documents, we will advise you on settlement and prepare a proposal on your behalf. This will start the negotiations and hopefully lead to an agreement.

When we have reached an agreement we will prepare a draft Consent Order and another court form, known as a D81, which will summarise both your information. This will help the Judge to assess if the agreement is fair. Once everything has been signed, it is sent to the Court for approval. If successful, we will then receive a Consent Order with a Court stamp. This will be final and binding on both of you.

Our commitments to you

Our team of experienced family solicitors are ready to help you.

We look after you

We understand that you’re going through a tough time, and we’re here to support you through it.rnrnOur lawyers are available to talk to you whenever you need it.

We keep you informed

It can be stressful waiting for information. We don’t keep you waiting. As soon as we have progress, we let you know straight away.

We help you understand

Legal matters can be complex.rnrnWe’ll explain everything to you and guide you through the process so that you know what’s happening.

Our process

Our team of experienced family solicitors are ready to help you.

1.

Book your free 30-minute consultation

2.

We’ll prepare a tailored cost estimate

3.

We’ll have our first meeting to discuss your case (up to 1 hour)

4.

We’ll analyse your case and provide written advice, with options where appropriate

5.

We’ll discuss the options with you and agree the best way forward

6.

We’ll start your case based on our agreed action plan

Fees

  • We offer a free initial telephone or video meeting to discuss your situation and provide a bespoke estimate. Our fees vary from case to case and are tailored to your individual circumstances.

Testimonials

In all aspects of the issues that occurred we couldn’t have asked for better service And would highly recommend her to anyone seeking or requiring legal advice or services in any and all matters.

CarlaFebruary 2026

My husband and I are retiring and are navigating multiple pensions and the sale of a small property portfolio. This is in addition to dealing with my Mum’s estate and the unexpected matter of my Dad’s Will. To say recent months have been difficult is an understatement! Your help has been invaluable, and I cannot thank you enough. You have dealt with the whole probate situation for me in such a professional manner, somehow managing to get such a quick resolution, and will never know the positive impact your actions have had on my mental wellbeing. I wish you the very best for the future and have no hesitation in recommending your services.

AngelsFebruary 2026

I contacted 2 companies and they never returned my call, so I wasted 2 weeks waiting for them. As soon as I contacted Rucklidge my call was returned within 2 hours and my request was dealt with. Your office was clear about the costs that we would incur, and the advice from Claire was easily understood for me to follow.

CharmainFebruary 2026
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