By Gemma Scourfield, on Thursday May 14, 2026
In brief Preparing for divorce is about more than paperwork, it means looking after your emotional wellbeing, understanding your financial position, and learning how the legal process works before you take the first formal step. This guide walks you through a practical checklist for divorce preparation in the UK, covering…
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By Sian Winter, on Thursday May 14, 2026
In brief A clean break order is a type of financial court order that permanently severs all financial ties between former spouses after divorce. Once approved by a judge, neither party can make any further financial claims against the other – no matter how their circumstances change in the future….
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By Kate Brooks, on Thursday May 14, 2026
In brief Prenuptial agreements are not automatically legally binding in England and Wales, but courts will give them significant weight if they are properly prepared. The landmark Supreme Court case Radmacher v Granatino [2010] established that a prenup should be given effect if it was freely entered into with a…
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By Susan Harwood, on Thursday May 14, 2026
In brief Spousal maintenance is financial support paid by one spouse to the other after a marriage ends. It is not an automatic entitlement. Whether you can claim spousal maintenance depends on your financial needs, your ability to support yourself, and your former spouse’s ability to pay. The court considers…
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By Abby Smith, on Thursday May 14, 2026
In brief When a marriage breaks down, household bills still need to be paid. As a general rule, both spouses remain responsible for the financial commitments they had during the marriage, including the mortgage, utility bills, and council tax, until a formal financial settlement is made by the court. A…
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By Andrew Robotham, on Thursday May 14, 2026
In brief Going through a divorce is one of the most stressful experiences anyone can face, and men often feel unsure where to turn for guidance. The good news is that the law in England and Wales does not favour one gender over the other. Men have the same legal…
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By Rebecca Franklin, on Thursday May 14, 2026
In brief Choose a private, calm moment, ideally when children are not present, and be direct but compassionate. Use “I” statements rather than blame, and be prepared for a range of emotional reactions. It helps to speak to a solicitor before the conversation so you understand your rights and options….
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By Kate Butler, on Thursday May 14, 2026
In brief There is no fixed formula for what you will receive in a divorce settlement. The court’s starting point is a broadly equal division of matrimonial assets, but the final outcome depends on the specific circumstances of your marriage. Under Section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, the…
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By Andrew Robotham, on Wednesday March 11, 2026
If you have been separated from your spouse for several years, you may be wondering whether the length of time apart affects your financial rights. The short answer is no, under current English and Welsh law, the court does not base financial settlements on how long you have been separated. Before…
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By Mark Betteridge, on Thursday February 12, 2026
Over the past decade, amicable divorce has increasingly become the preferred way for separating couples to resolve matters. The concept is attractive: cooperative, cost-effective, and forward-looking. In many cases, an amicable divorce or mediated settlement works extremely well and helps families avoid unnecessary conflict and court proceedings. However, practitioners are increasingly seeing disputes emerge…
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By Sanjay Solanki, on Thursday February 5, 2026
Victims of domestic abuse often report that they no longer feel safe in the comfort of their own home. Living with fear, control and violence can be overwhelming and deeply distressing. While one option may be to leave the family home, this is not always straightforward, particularly where children are…
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By Judith Buckland, on Thursday January 29, 2026
Divorce rates vary widely around the world. Some countries report unusually high numbers of divorces per 1,000 people each year, while others maintain very low figures, often reflecting cultural norms, legal systems, social attitudes and family structures. While this article is framed around 2025, most global divorce statistics are published with…
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