Financial Settlements

How can we assist with divorce, civil partnership dissolution and resolving financial matters

The breakdown of a marriage or civil partnership can be a deeply emotional experience, and the process of separating finances often adds another layer of complexity. It’s important to have clear, trusted advice to help you understand your rights and manage expectations so you can move forward. Our specialist divorce and civil partnership dissolution solicitors, based across Derby, Leicester and Nottingham, provide comprehensive support to help you navigate these financial matters.

We offer expert assistance with all aspects of financial settlements, including:

• Division of property and assets
• Pension sharing arrangements
• Maintenance payments
• Business assets and valuations
• Investments and savings
• Debt allocation
• Tax implications of settlement options

Every situation is unique, and we take the time to understand your personal circumstances, priorities, and any concerns you may have. By tailoring our advice and approach to your needs, we aim to reach a fair and practical outcome that protects your financial security and helps you plan for the future with greater peace of mind.

Please note that we can only advise on a Legal Aid basis for public law or care proceedings.

Our Approach

Every divorce or civil partnership dissolution is unique, and any financial settlement should reflect your individual circumstances. We aim to help you reach an agreement that feels fair, practical, and secure for the future. We understand that conversations about money can be challenging, especially during times of emotional change. Our team is committed to making the process as clear and straightforward as possible, while always focusing on achieving the best outcome for you.

A financial settlement outlines how property, savings, pensions, and other assets will be divided in the event of a relationship ending. It brings clarity to what can otherwise feel uncertain and helps to prevent future disagreements. Establishing clear financial arrangements for both the present and the future enables each person to have peace of mind.

Our approach focuses on:

• Clear Analysis – We’ll help you understand your complete financial position, ensuring all assets and liabilities are properly disclosed and accurately valued.
• Practical Solutions – We focus on realistic, workable arrangements that provide long-term financial security while minimising conflict wherever possible.
• Strategic Negotiation – Our experienced solicitors are skilled negotiators who will represent your interests effectively, whether through direct discussions, mediation, or, where necessary, Court proceedings.
• Future Planning – We look beyond the immediate outcome to consider your long-term financial stability and security, supporting you in rebuilding your future with confidence.

Divorce Financial Settlement Options

Divorce financial settlements are an important part of the divorce or dissolution process. They set out how money, property, and other assets will be divided and can be reached through discussion, negotiation, or with guidance from a solicitor or mediator. Once both parties have agreed on the terms, the settlement can be submitted to the court for approval. The court will review the agreement to ensure that it is fair to both sides before making it legally binding.

If one person does not agree to the proposed settlement, there are still ways forward. You may continue to negotiate directly, work with a mediator to help find common ground, or ask the court to make a decision about how the finances should be divided. Whatever the situation, our team will support you through the process and help you reach an outcome that protects your interests and gives you confidence in your future.

We can guide you through several approaches to reaching a financial settlement, depending on what best suits your circumstances:

Negotiated Settlements

Many couples are able to agree on financial arrangements through direct negotiation, often between solicitors. This approach can be less stressful and more cost-effective, allowing you to reach a fair outcome without the need for court proceedings.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Our team includes accredited and highly experienced professionals who can assist in resolving matters without going to court. Gayle Rowley is an accredited mediator, and Emma Davies is trained in collaborative law and Resolution Together. Both have extensive experience helping couples find constructive, cooperative solutions through mediation and other ADR methods, keeping discussions focused and productive.

Court Proceedings

In some cases, court involvement may be necessary to achieve a fair financial order, particularly if communication has broken down or an agreement cannot be reached. Should this happen, our solicitors will provide clear, robust representation throughout the process. We ensure that your case is presented effectively and that you are supported every step of the way.

Whatever approach is right for you, we are here to provide clear guidance and strong, practical support to help you reach a fair, lasting financial settlement.

​​Financial Orders

When a marriage or civil partnership comes to an end, it’s important to make sure your financial arrangements are clear and legally protected. A financial order is a formal agreement, approved by the court, that sets out how money, property, and other assets will be divided. Having a financial order in place gives both people certainty about what happens next and helps to avoid future disagreements.

We can help you apply for different types of financial orders depending on your situation, including:

Lump Sum Payments

This is when one person pays a single, agreed-upon amount of money to the other. It’s often used to help balance out the division of money or property, or to make sure both people can move forward financially after the separation.

Property Transfer Orders

These deal with what happens to your home or other property. It might mean transferring ownership to one person, selling the property, or setting out who can live there and for how long.

Pension Sharing or Attachment Orders

Pensions can be one of the biggest assets in a relationship. These orders make sure pensions are divided fairly, for example, by transferring a share of one person’s pension to the other, or by agreeing that part of it will be paid out later when the pension is received.

Spousal Maintenance Orders

If one person needs extra financial support after the divorce or dissolution, the court can order regular payments to help cover their living costs. This is usually based on income, needs, and how long the payments should last.

Clean Break Orders

A clean break order means that once everything has been divided, there are no ongoing financial ties between you. This allows both people to make a fresh start and removes the possibility of future financial claims.

Our friendly and experienced team will take the time to explain each option in plain terms and help you decide what’s best for your circumstances. We’ll make sure your financial arrangements are fair, secure, and give you the confidence to move forward with peace of mind.

Why Choose Nelsons?

• Highly Qualified Team – Our solicitors are ranked in Tier One by The Legal 500 and include Resolution-accredited specialists who promote a sensible approach to financial settlements.
• Comprehensive Services: We assist a diverse range of clients, from high-net-worth individuals with complex assets to families and stay-at-home couples.
• ADR: Our team includes accredited mediators, Resolution Together and collaborative law solicitors who can help you resolve financial matters amicably.
• Court Representation: If Court action is necessary, our experienced solicitors will guide you through the process to ensure your interests are protected.

For more information on how we can assist with a financial settlement following a divorce, please contact our expert team of family law solicitors in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham via our online enquiry form or call 0800 024 1976 for a guaranteed response.