Finances
When a marriage or civil partnership ends, there are usually financial considerations which need to be addressed. By simply divorcing, or dissolving your civil partnership, the court will not automatically look at the finances. So unless these are dealt with, a claim could be made against you at some future point, even if you have remarried or are in a new civil partnership.
The needs of any children must be the first priority. Maintenance, the family home and contents, state and private pensions and other assets such as savings, insurance policies and ISAs should also be taken into account. The aim should be to achieve an outcome that is fair to both parties. If you find yourselves unable to reach an agreement, and you seek a final resolution, then there must be an application to the court for a judge to adjudicate.
For cohabiting couples, neither has any legal duty to provide the other with financial support. However, you may want to consider the ownership of your home and contents. The process you have to follow to show that you have acquired a beneficial interest in a property held in another person’s name is complicated and relies upon the principles and case law of trusts. If at all possible, you and your partner should try to reach an agreement rather than go to court.
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