If the court has to decide what should happen, it will firstly take into account any dependant children. The court also takes into account:
- your income and earning capacity
- your savings and any other capital
- your housing needs
- your pension entitlements
- how long you have been married or in a civil partnership
- your health
- your standard or living before the breakdown of a relationship
- your overall contribution to the marriage (not just in terms of money, but also home-making, caring for children and supporting your spouse or partner’s career)
- any other relevant circumstances
The court can order:
- maintenance
- the transfer of assets (including properties and money lump sums)
- pension sharing
You can expect court proceedings to take 12-18 months from start to finish (possibly longer if the case is complex, or the other person does not co-operate)
If you wish to discuss this further please contact Nicola Harmon.
