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How to Respond to a Divorce Petition
After receiving a divorce petition, the first thing you should do is read through it thoroughly to make sure that details like names, dates of birth and addresses are all correct.
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Divorce can profoundly affect countless aspects of your life, in particular your finances. In this article, we provide steps you can take to help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
For initial advice get in touch with our Divorce Solicitors.
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Agree to Key Decisions Together where Possible
In an ideal world, you and your partner will be divorcing amicably, so you can sit down and agree on financial matters that concern you both. For instance, you need to decide how to divide any financial assets you share, where your children will live and who gets the family home.
Agreeing these decisions beforehand means you’ll both be able to decide your own financial futures to an extent. If you can’t reach an agreement together then you will need Solicitors to negotiate a financial settlement and/or go to Court where a Judge will decide for you.
Obtain a Financial Order
While a Decree Absolute will legally end your marriage, it doesn’t void any financial commitments you may have with your ex. So you need to apply to the Court for a Financial Order to protect your wealth, including any assets you may acquire at a later date.
If you don’t get a Financial Order your ex may be able to stake a claim to some of your wealth, such as an inheritance or an investment that has increased in value. Couples can apply for a Clean Break Order that makes it clear they have no financial claim against the other in the future, or apply for a Consent Order if they have specific financial assets to be divided.
Inform Service Providers about your Divorce
You’ll have your details recorded with various organisations who may need to know about your change in status. The list of organisations and companies to contact may be extensive and can include HM Revenue & Customs, utility providers, mortgage lenders or landlords and banks, as well as the council tax office and benefits office.
Insurance providers must also be informed that you have divorced, along with credit card companies and credit reference agencies, as your credit may currently be linked with your partner.
Build a Full Picture of Your Finances
The impact of a divorce on your finances can be massive, so it pays to get a holistic view of where your money lies. Creating spreadsheets outlining the details of your various assets, liabilities and expenses ensures you have quick access to this information. That helps to give you a good idea of how to manage your finances in the future and whether certain decisions need to be taken.
For instance, where could you save money? Or are you in a position to make an investment? By getting this information together, you’re well placed to make the right financial decisions, which can give you considerable peace of mind at this stressful time.
Budget to Your New Circumstances
In the wake of a divorce, a change in your financial circumstances could force some big changes in your spending habits. So budget accordingly and if necessary, track where your money is going, so you’re able to work out how to live within your means. This can influence many follow-up decisions, such as where you need to trim your spending, if you have to take on extra shifts at work or start applying for higher-paid jobs.
Again, knowing what’s going on with your money takes away a level of stress and even if what you discover isn’t what you want to see, you’ll know to deal with the problem rather than let it get worse.
Don’t be Tempted by Cheap Divorce Packages
It can be tempting to go online and look for a cheap divorce package, but this is a false economy. That’s because seemingly cheap divorce fees don’t include costs such as arranging Financial Orders or resolving childcare issues.
In the long run, it’s well worth paying for the services of a Divorce Solicitor, as they can guide you on the best steps to take and when it’s worth compromising with your ex. By working with a specialist Divorce Solicitor, you may also be able to settle your divorce finances without having to go to Court, thereby avoiding lots of expense and emotional distress.
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