Divorce and family law

Resolving any money and property disputes is often one of the most stressful parts of divorce or civil partnership dissolution. For many people, these issues feel more complex and emotionally charged than the divorce process itself.

At Winston Solicitors, we help you navigate financial and property disputes on divorce with clarity and care. Our family law team focuses on finding fair, practical solutions that protect your future and reduce unnecessary conflict wherever possible.

• Understand how financial disputes are dealt with on divorce
• Resolve property and asset disputes
• Explore court and non-court options
• Protect pensions, businesses and inheritance
• Guidance from trusted family solicitors

When a relationship ends, decisions must be made about how assets and income are divided. This can include property, savings, pensions, businesses and often provision for future income needs.

Financial disputes on divorce often arise because:

• Assets are complex or high value
• Contributions have been unequal
• One party has greater future earning capacity
• There is inherited or pre-marital wealth
• Emotions make agreement difficult

We recognise that every family’s situation is different. Our role is to help you understand your position and the options available, so you can make informed decisions.

There is no single right approach for everyone. We will talk you through the options and support you in choosing the route that best suits your circumstances.

You may wish to:

• Instruct us to act fully on your behalf
• Use us for specific advice while handling parts yourself
• Explore non-court dispute resolution, such as arbitration or private dispute resolution.

Before issuing a court application, most people are required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) unless an exemption applies. We can advise you on whether mediation is appropriate in your case.

If matters cannot be resolved by agreement, the court has the power to decide how finances should be divided.

The court considers a range of factors under section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, including:

• The length of the marriage or civil partnership
• Your ages and health
• Income, earning capacity and capital
• Financial needs and responsibilities
• Contributions to the family’s welfare
• Pension provision and loss of benefits
• Conduct (in rare and extreme cases only)

The court has wide discretion, particularly where there are complex assets such as pensions, businesses or inherited wealth. Clear legal advice is essential in these situations.

Many couples are able to reach agreement without a contested court hearing. Where agreement is reached, we can formalise this in a Consent Order, making it legally binding.

Some settlements include a clean break, ending all future financial claims. In other cases, ongoing maintenance may be appropriate. We will explain the implications of each option and help you decide what is right for you.

Our experienced family law solicitors provide practical, tailored advice at every stage of the process.

We can help with:

• Asset and property disputes on divorce
• Pension sharing and offsetting
• Business and complex financial structures
• Negotiation and settlement drafting
• Representation in non-court dispute resolution processes
• Court proceedings where needed

We focus on proportionality, clarity and outcomes that allow you to move forward with confidence.

We offer competitive hourly rates and costs tailored to your individual needs. We will always be open and transparent about costs and help you understand how fees may be managed.

To speak to our Family Law team, call 0113 320 5000 or email family@winstonsolicitors.co.uk. We will listen carefully and help you take the next step with clarity and reassurance.