The financial settlement — known as “financial remedy” — determines how property,
income, pensions and other assets are shared.
This guide explains the legal principles and how judges approach fairness.
The three principles are:
Needs
Primary focus — housing, income, security.
Sharing
Assets built during marriage are shared equally unless there is good reason otherwise.
Compensation
For lost career opportunities (rare).
WHAT JUDGES LOOK AT
- Income & earning capacity
- Property and assets
- Standard of living
- Children’s needs
- Contributions
- Age & health
HIGH-VALUE CASES
Judges consider:
- Non-matrimonial property
- Pre/post-nups
- Offshore assets
- Businesses
- Inheritance
ORDERS AVAILABLE
- Lump sum
- Property adjustment
- Pension sharing
- Spousal maintenance
- Clean break
KEY QUESTIONS
- What are my needs?
- Which assets are matrimonial?
- Do I need expert valuations?
