0161 434 0600
Family Law Services
Financial Settlement and Financial Orders
Reaching a fair outcome with clarity, confidence, and expert support.
We’ll work with you to find a lasting solution.
When couples separate or divorce, one of the most difficult and emotionally charged issues is deciding how to divide the finances. Over the course of a relationship, many people build up substantial assets — property, savings, pensions, businesses — and understandably, both parties want to feel secure about what comes next.
At Didsbury Family Law, we help you navigate these financial questions with clear legal advice, calm negotiation, and a steady focus on fairness. Whether your financial arrangements are relatively straightforward or involve more complex structures, we’ll work with you to find a lasting solution.
What is a financial settlement?
A financial settlement is the process of agreeing how assets and income should be divided after a marriage ends. For married couples, this often includes the family home, savings, pensions, business interests and — in some cases — spousal maintenance.
The aim is to reach an outcome that is fair to both parties, taking into account your contributions, future needs, and the overall financial picture. If a settlement is agreed, it can be finalised by the court in the form of a consent order, which makes it legally binding and enforceable.
What kinds of things need to be settled?
Every case is different, but these are some of the common issues we help clients resolve:
Property and homes: Should the family home be sold, or can one person remain in the property? Is a buy-out possible? What about other jointly owned properties?
Pensions: Often the most valuable family asset. Pension sharing can be complex, and we may recommend independent valuations to ensure fairness.
Savings and investments: Are these to be divided equally, or is there a need for adjustment based on other assets?
Businesses: If either of you owns a business, we’ll help assess its value and decide how it fits into the overall settlement — including what happens to income or ongoing involvement.
Spousal support: In some cases, one party may need short- or longer-term financial support. We can advise on maintenance and financial independence planning.
We understand that some of these assets may be held or controlled by one party only — and sometimes, the full picture isn’t immediately clear. Our job is to help uncover and understand the full scope of your family’s finances before any final decisions are made.
Clarity and cost-efficiency
We understand that reaching a financial settlement can take time — especially where there are complex assets or overseas interests involved. But we also know that legal costs need to be proportionate to the assets at stake.
We’ll always advise you on the most efficient and cost-effective way forward, and we’ll be transparent about costs from the outset.
How do we reach a settlement?
Wherever possible, we encourage agreement through calm, solicitor-led negotiation. Our approach is constructive and respectful — not adversarial — because we know from experience that aggressive tactics usually increase conflict, cost, and stress.
In some cases, mediation may be a suitable first step. While we don’t act as mediators ourselves, we can refer you to experienced, reputable local professionals and explain how the process works.
If an agreement is reached, we’ll draft the consent order and submit it to the court for approval — making the terms final, enforceable, and legally binding.
Fixed-Fee Consultations – We offer an initial family law consultation for a fixed fee of £120 inc VAT
This meeting, which lasts around an hour, gives you the chance to speak confidentially with a solicitor about your situation, options, and next steps. You’re under no pressure to proceed — and sometimes, a single session is all that’s needed to move forward with clarity.
Next steps
If you’re going through a divorce or separation and need advice about dividing your finances, we’re here to help. Our solicitors will listen, assess your situation, and offer clear, practical guidance based on over 25 years of experience in family law.
Call 0161 434 0600, email info@didsburyfamilylaw.com, Or book a consultation to speak with Dan Bonsall or Hayley King in complete confidence.