Resolving financial matters after divorce can be a complex and intimidating process. It is important that you take expert legal advice to ensure that the splitting of finances is fair in all circumstances. A financial settlement can be worked out in many ways, however, before initiating financial proceedings you should consider whether matters can be settled by agreement. This can be reached through solicitor negotiations or other methods. In some cases, however, the only option to resolve financial disputes will be to make an application to the court. The key element of this process is a court hearing known as a financial dispute resolution appointment or FDR for short.
A FDR is a court hearing where couples are given guidance by the court to reach and agree on terms for financial settlement. The FDR is the second court hearing in matrimonial financial proceedings.
Attendance at a Court for FDR is compulsory for both sides. The hearing is with regards to financial matters and to obtain advice from a Judge concerning the likely outcome in a case where two parties are divorcing.
The hearing is also aimed at allowing the parties to attempt negotiation of a financial settlement without further recourse to the Court.
If divorcing couples are unable to agree on how their assets should be split between them, the Court can be asked to determine how their money and assets should be divided.
This is when financial proceedings begin and there will usually be three main hearings within this process, however, both sides will be encouraged to reach an agreement at each stage of the process.
There are usually three Court hearings within finance proceedings:
When it comes to getting divorced or dissolving a civil partnership, the court has wide discretion and the outcome of each matter will depend on the individual circumstances and facts of each case. Reaching a financial divorce settlement is governed by section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, it is, therefore, vital that you seek help and advice from expert divorce solicitors who understand this complex law and the way it is interpreted by the court. The starting point for the court when ruling on financial disputes in a divorce includes considering the following factors:
Our Expert Solicitors in the financial settlement will be by your side throughout all stages of proceedings. They will discuss the merits of your case and present you with options on how to proceed. We have helped many individuals across the country through the complex process of coming to a Financial Settlement.