It makes sense to try and reach an agreement about a financial settlement before raising a divorce action.

This is a cost-effective way to proceed as a disputed court case can be very expensive.

Very often the most valuable items of matrimonial property for the family home and the party’s pensions. There may be other savings and there may be debt. Valuations have to be obtained so that the total value of the matrimonial assets can be calculated.

Once the total value is known there can be a discussion about the fairest way to share the assets.

Sometimes one party wishes to stay living in the family home and if that is the case there has to be a negotiation In relation to how this affects any division of the assets.

In most cases, the negotiation should be straightforward but in some cases there are disagreements in relation to what amounts to a fair share.

Our expert solicitors specialise in financial matters of this type and we will do our best to simplify matters and to try and reach an agreement as quickly and as cost effectively as possible.

It is also important that there are discussions in relation to maintenance of the children and there are also situations where it is appropriate for one spouse to pay maintenance to the other.