This case study shows how our family lawyers supported a client through a complex divorce involving financial remedy proceedings, property disputes and child arrangements.
Divorce and separation are some of the most stressful experiences a family can go through. For one of our clients, the process was made even more challenging by a difficult financial situation, strained family dynamics and the impact of conflict on two teenage children.
Our client, a husband separating after more than 15 years of marriage, found himself in the middle of contested financial remedy proceedings and Children Act matters. The family home was worth around £700,000, but there were also large debts and complicated pension assets to consider. A relative was claiming a financial interest in the family home, which was disputed by the wife, meaning there was an additional party to the proceedings (an intervenor).
The immediate practical challenge was housing. With limited capital available, neither parent could afford to move out until the finances were resolved. As a result, both parents and the children remained living in the family home but in separate parts, creating an inevitably tense environment.
The children, both under 18, began to take sides. Our client became deeply concerned about the impact this was having on his relationship with one of his children and the risk of long-term estrangement.
The Background: A complex divorce involving financial remedy and children act proceedings
This case involved multiple overlapping issues, including disputed property ownership, complex pension arrangements and significant debt. Alongside the financial proceedings, there were ongoing Children Act matters which required careful handling to prioritise the children’s welfare while managing a highly sensitive family dynamic.
The presence of an intervenor added further complexity, increasing the need for strategic preparation and clear legal advice throughout the proceedings.
Property, debt and pension assets: Managing complex finances on divorce
The family home represented a significant asset, but it was offset by substantial liabilities and complicated pension interests. Establishing ownership, value, and future affordability required detailed analysis and careful preparation.
Our focus was to progress matters efficiently and avoid unnecessary costs. Although the wife did not fully engage with the process, we worked cooperatively with the intervenor’s solicitor to ensure the husband’s position was thoroughly prepared ahead of the Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) hearing.
Due to his financial position and significant debts, the husband represented himself throughout the remainder of the proceedings to the final hearing, at which it was ordered that he buy out the wife’s share of the property.
Living arrangements and conflict: The impact of separation on children
Remaining in the same property during contested divorce proceedings placed significant emotional pressure on the family. Separate living arrangements within the home heightened tension and made day-to-day communication difficult.
As conflict increased, the children began to align themselves with different parents. This raised understandable concerns about emotional well-being, stability and the potential long-term impact on family relationships.
Supporting child arrangements and rebuilding parent–child relationships
At Tees, we recognised that this case required more than technical legal expertise. A pragmatic, child-focused strategy was essential.
We encouraged practical steps to protect relationships and support the children’s wellbeing, including:
- arranging contact around enjoyable activities centred on the children
- engaging therapeutic support to help manage emotional strain
- recommending co-parenting courses to improve communication and reduce conflict
These measures helped shift the focus back to the children’s needs and promote healthier family dynamics during a difficult period.
Preparing for the Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) hearing
Our team ensured the husband’s case was carefully prepared and supported with clear evidence. By maintaining a cooperative approach where possible and anticipating the issues likely to arise at the FDR hearing, we positioned our client strongly for negotiations and potential settlement discussions.
Clear, straightforward advice was provided throughout, ensuring the client understood the risks, options and likely outcomes at each stage.
Avoiding enforcement action and securing a practical financial outcome
Following the final hearing, the husband experienced difficulties remortgaging within the required timeframe to pay the wife. She indicated an intention to pursue enforcement action, which would have resulted in additional cost and delay.
We were able to intervene and successfully negotiate an extension, avoiding unnecessary litigation and enabling the parties to move forward with finalising a consent order.
The result: A clear way forward for the family
By maintaining a child-focused approach, conflict within the household was reduced, and our client began rebuilding his relationship with one of his children. Practical support mechanisms remain in place to protect the children’s well-being.
From a financial perspective, the client had confidence that his case was prepared thoroughly and cost-effectively, even within a highly complex multi-party dispute.
How Tees’ family lawyers support clients through complex divorce
This case highlights the importance of experienced legal support when dealing with complex divorce, financial remedy proceedings and child arrangements. Without expert guidance, overlapping financial and family issues can escalate quickly.
At Tees, we combine legal expertise with sensitivity and practical problem-solving to help families move forward with clarity and confidence.
