Applying for divorce is never easy. There are various aspects involved in the divorce process; deciding how you divide up and arrange your finances is one of the most important features of a divorce, and can easily become contentious. Ancillary relief concerns the financial matters of a divorce, and is also known as a “financial settlement.” they are separate from the divorce process, but may run concurrently with all other aspects. If you need assistance in filing for ancillary relief, our expert divorce lawyers in London are here to help.

Here at Van Eaton Solicitors in Streatham, we can assist couples seeking a divorce, ensuring their assets are distributed in a fashion to suits their needs and preferences. Understanding ancillary relief can be difficult to comprehend. Luckily, we’ve created a helpful guide to make the process easier to understand.

 

Ancillary Relief in Divorce Proceedings

Either spouse can apply for ancillary relief. Some couples choose to make financial arrangements between themselves, but this is not recommended. No agreement is legally binding unless filed and sealed by a judge. Applications can be brought long after the divorce has been finalised, however, it is highly recommended that you sort out your financial matters as soon as possible. Most divorcing couples will enter mediation to sort out their differences and come to an agreement cornering their shared assets. When an agreement cannot be reached regarding finances, ancillary relief is the next step.

When deciding how the financial assets will be distributed, the court will consider a number of factors. The needs and requirements of the parties is a big consideration for the court. Usually, a 50/50 split is considered to keep matters fair and just. There are often mitigating factors that affect how the assets will be distributed, especially if children are involved. To find out more about our family law services, please visit us on our website here.

 

Time and Costs

Deciding upon a financial settlement that suits both parties can be time-consuming and quite costly. It cost £255 (at the time of writing) to apply for ancillary relief. It can take months to organise and reach a conclusion, which can add up in legal fees. Choosing the best divorce and litigation solicitor is essential in keeping costs to a minimum. The divorce process can take its toll emotionally, so you need matters to be resolved efficiently.

Here at Van Eaton Solicitors, our divorce lawyers in London can help you get the results you need as proficiently as possible. We can assess your case and provide reliable legal advice, ensuring your case is as airtight as possible.

 

Filing for Relief and Things to Consider

If you wish to file for ancillary relief, you will need to fill out a ‘Form A’ and send it to the court which is dealing with your divorce. You can find the application form for a financial order on the Government’s website here. The application details what form of ancillary relief you are looking for, and a solicitor will be able to file the Form A for you. Once the form has been received, the court will consider the ages of the parties, all of their assets and their earning potential. A clean break is always preferred in terms of distributing assets, but this cannot always be achieved. Therefore, it is always best to seek the help of a professional solicitor.

If you need help with ancillary relief proceedings, or to find out more, we are more than happy to assist. Please get in touch with us today by calling 0208 769 6739. Alternatively, you can fill out our online form here.