Clean Break

If you divorce, you need a Clean Break. It is possible in most cases and we can help you decide how best to achieve it.

Protecting your assets

A Clean Break is part of the Consent Order which prevents the other party from claiming against you in the future, during your life or upon your death. A Clean Break can only be made by a Court and is vital to ensure your current and future assets are protected.

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The importance of a clean break

Regardless of your assets, a Clean Break is necessary in every case to protect your future. Even if you have nothing at all now, you could move on to 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.

The Consent Order will record whatever financial agreement you have reached but crucially will contain a paragraph confirming the agreement is on a Clean Break basis. The Consent Order will be tailored to your individual circumstances but will almost always include the Clean Break. Even if there are no assets at all, it is important to still get a Clean Break. We will help you to persuade the other party to agree to the Clean Break as it will protect them too. We will also make sure the Order is appropriate and likely to be approved by the Judge.

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. Alternatively, you may wish to sign a disclaimer to skip this step, for example if you have no assets and to simply ask the Court for a Clean Break.

If the other party agrees to the Clean Break, we will prepare a draft Consent Order containing the Clean Break and another court form, known as a D81, which will summarise both your financial 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.

Our 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.

We’ll explain everything to you and guide you through the process so that you know what’s happening.

Fees

  • Financial matters handled without going to court From £2,100 (including VAT)

    Examples for Married/civil partners: resolve finances by exchanging information, negotiating (directly, via solicitors, or mediation), and turning agreements into a court-approved consent order.

    Examples for Unmarried couples: agree on home sale or shares, divide money, possessions, debts, and bills, arrange child support, and record everything in a cohabitation or separation agreement.

  • Financial matters that go through the courts From £5,040 (including VAT)

    Examples for married/civil partners: disputes over selling or keeping the home, spousal maintenance, sharing pensions, lump-sum payments for housing, treatment of inherited assets, unpaid maintenance, or hiding money.

    Examples for unmarried couples: disputes over home ownership and sale, mortgage/deposit contributions, loans/gifts/renovations, occupation costs, and child-related financial support.

Testimonials

“Antony Ball is a great mediator and collaborator. Always calm, constructive and solution-focused. I refer clients to Antony. It’s always a pleasure working with him, as when he is on the other side you can be assured that he will make sensible progress in a timely and respectful manner.”

Legal 500 (2023)June 2026

“Antony Ball works hard to ensure clients get value for their money. He puts the hours in and works tirelessly to get the right outcome for his clients. Professional and caring with a wealth of knowledge, I would be happy to recommend him to anyone.”

Legal 500 (2024)June 2026

“Antony is an excellent advocate and collaborative lawyer”

“Antony technical knowledge is really good. He has a great court presence and is just really good at advocacy”

“Antony is intellectually very strong and very resolute in pursuing his client’s claims. He has a sympathetic disposition, is measured and very effective”

“Antony offers clients over 20 years worth of experience in family law. He advises clients on divorce, with notable expertise in HNW cases concerning farming families and complex corporate structures. He also handles children cases, including Hague Convention proceedings.”

“Antony is a sound, pragmatic lawyer who has a calming influence”

Chambers & Partners (2025)June 2026
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Get in touch.

Book your free 30-minute consultation now.