Financial Claims for Married Couples & Civil Partners
How can we help?
Our financial team is ranked in the Legal 500 and led by the Department’s two equity partners Sue Harlow and Liz Francis who have over half a century of negotiation and litigation experience between them.
Our Approach
We understand the emotional impact of a relationship breakdown and our initial steps are geared towards diffusing what is often a difficult or volatile situation by carefully considering the different methods of dispute resolution, perhaps mediation or a collaborative approach. The ultimate aim is to achieve a complete understanding of the nature of the assets and the issues arising in each case, to explore the needs and expectations of our client, to provide concise and straightforward legal advice on more complex issues, maybe regarding tax, trusts and pensions, and where possible agree the financial settlement through negotiation. An agreed solution is the most cost-effective and emotionally beneficial route.
If court proceedings are required, we will represent you thoughtfully and diligently and lead you carefully through each step of the process. We are conscious of the costs of litigating and that it is vital that the issues are narrowed where possible and that a constructive and transparent approach is adopted. We will not foster false hope nor unrealistic expectation and nor do we shy from giving honest advice even when we know it will be unpalatable. As litigation advances, we will continue to discuss the advantages of Arbitration or Private FDR appointments to reach early closure. We will keep you fully appraised of the costs of the proceedings and always keep in mind the costs compared to the likely benefits.
We specialise in the following related matters:
- Applications following an overseas divorce
- Assets that are subject to Confiscation Orders
- Emergency applications to freeze assets or set aside fraudulent transactions
- Maintenance claims and variation of income orders
- More complex assets, including Business Assets
- Non-disclosure/non-compliance
- Overseas property and investment issues
- Pension sharing orders
- Pre-acquired assets and Inherited Wealth
- Third party/Intervenor claims
- UK and overseas Trust assets
The Finance Team
Our team ranges from Newly Qualified to Associate solicitors and Partners who have practiced for more than 30 years. We will attempt to match you with the solicitor best equipped to deal with your case and on an affordable fee structure. We have competitive hourly rates and provide fixed fee initial meetings. We work as a team, sharing knowledge and expertise. We have also developed close relationships with other related professionals such as barristers, accountants, actuaries, IFAs and litigation funders who can give invaluable specialist advice on related matters.