The legal rights of unmarried couples living together
Living together without getting married is a common choice for many couples. However, it’s essential to understand the legal differences
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A financial settlement sets out how assets such as property, savings, pensions and income are divided following divorce. For many people, this is one of the most stressful parts of the process, with long-term consequences for financial security.
We take time to understand your circumstances and priorities. Our role is to guide you through your options, explain what is realistic and help you make informed decisions that support your future independence and stability.
Our guide to financial settlements during divorce explains how the settlement is worked out.
Many financial settlements can be agreed through negotiation or mediation, avoiding the emotional and financial strain of court proceedings. We will support you in reaching agreement where possible, and represent you robustly if court becomes necessary.
Any settlement must take account of children’s needs and aim to be fair to both parties. We help you navigate this balance carefully, with clear advice at every stage.
The family team at Tees is led by dedicated and committed partners whose professionalism percolates through the whole department.
Key areas our family law solicitors can help you with include:
We’ll support you in all areas of family law from divorce mediation to court appearances, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
Please complete this form and one of our team will be in touch with you shortly.
Tees Law does not provide Legal Aid. You can find more information here about Legal Aid and eligibility requirements.
We have a team of in-house independent financial advisers who work closely with our lawyers to deliver all the advice you need. Our IFAs are regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, which means we are accountable for all the advice we give.
If you want a lawyer to take a closer look at your situation, our family and divorce lawyers are based in:
But we can help you wherever you are in England and Wales.
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A divorce financial settlement is a legally binding agreement that sets out how assets, income, pensions, savings and debts will be divided between spouses following divorce.
This may include:
The family home
Investment properties
Savings and investments
Pensions
Business interests
Personal belongings of significant value
Ongoing maintenance payments
A financial settlement can be agreed through negotiation, mediation, solicitor-led discussions, or determined by the court if agreement cannot be reached.
Not necessarily.
While the court often starts with the principle of equal division, fairness — not strict equality — is the legal objective under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973.
The court considers factors including:
The welfare of any children
The income and earning capacity of each spouse
Financial needs and obligations
Length of the marriage
Contributions made (financial and non-financial)
Age and health of both parties
Every case is fact-specific. Achieving the right outcome requires tailored legal advice.
The family home is often the most valuable asset in a divorce.
Possible outcomes include:
One spouse buying out the other’s share
The property being sold and proceeds divided
Deferred sale arrangements (often where children are involved)
The best solution will depend on affordability, mortgage capacity and the needs of any children.
Yes. Pensions can be one of the largest assets in a marriage and are commonly subject to division.
There are three main approaches:
Pension sharing orders
Pension offsetting
Pension attachment orders
Given the complexity of pension valuation, specialist advice is essential to ensure long-term financial security.
Spousal maintenance is ongoing financial support paid by one spouse to the other following divorce.
It may be appropriate where:
One party has significantly lower earning capacity
There has been a long marriage
One spouse sacrificed career progression to care for children
Maintenance can be agreed for a fixed term or on a joint lives basis, depending on the circumstances.
The timeline varies depending on:
The complexity of assets
Whether an agreement can be reached
Court availability (if proceedings are required)
An agreed settlement can often be finalised within several months. Contested court proceedings may take significantly longer.
A consent order is a court-approved document that makes your financial agreement legally binding.
Without a consent order:
Financial claims remain open
Either party could bring future claims
There is no final financial clean break
Even if matters are agreed amicably, a consent order is strongly recommended to protect your financial future.
Yes. Many couples resolve finances through:
Negotiation between solicitors
Mediation
Collaborative law
Court proceedings are usually a last resort. Resolving matters constructively can reduce cost, stress and delay.
Both parties have a legal duty of full and frank financial disclosure.
If assets are concealed, the court has wide-ranging powers to:
Compel disclosure
Set aside agreements
Penalise non-disclosure
Early legal advice is critical where transparency is a concern.
You should seek advice:
Before agreeing any financial division
If you are concerned about protecting assets
If your spouse has significantly greater wealth or income
Where business assets or pensions are involved
Taking early advice ensures you understand your rights and options.
