Divorce and separation
Starting over with confidence
Clear, reassuring guidance for later-life divorce, including financial settlements, pensions, and dividing assets. Understand your rights, protect what matters, and make confident decisions with expert support from Slater and Gordon.
Divorcing later in life brings its own priorities. Your marriage has a lot of history, if you have children, they are usually grown and living their own lives, and the focus tends to shift towards identity, stability, and your future.
You’re not alone in finding your way through this process, there is help available, and at Slater and Gordon, our many specialist family lawyers can support you along the way.
Financial settlements and security
Divorcing later in life can mean many aspects of each other’s lives have become intertwined. Houses, pensions, savings, other assets become a focus when deciding to separate, and how to do so in a way that leaves all parties happy. There are also special considerations for high net worth divorces too.
Some thoughts you have might could include:
- Do I have to reach a financial settlement in divorce?
- Why does the law make me get a divorce financial settlement?
- What if we can’t agree a divorce settlement?
We have years of experience helping clients through financial settlements, find out more > Reaching a divorce financial settlement
Pensions and divorce
It's important to know that pensions are an asset in the same way as your house or other savings. In many cases, the personal or workplace pensions of you and your partner will be considered when a divorce financial settlement is worked out.
We can help you work through any questions you might have, including:
- What happens to my pension if I divorce?
- How will a pension be divided after a divorce?
You can get more information on pensions and divorce > What happens to my pension when I divorce?
Property and divorce
When it comes to dividing up property in divorce, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, how your home is owned:
- You home could be owned by one of you – which means it’s in one of your names
- Jointly, by both of you – there are different forms of joint ownership
- By someone else – for example, a family member
If your ex-partner (husband, wife or civil partner) owns the family home in their name alone, you might be able to register your interest in it to protect your position.
In a divorce, dividing assets, including property, can be incredibly difficult to navigate. Every case has its own circumstances and because of that, there is not one rule for every case regarding matrimonial homes. There are, however, three possible outcomes.
Find out more about property and divorce > Can you keep your property in a divorce?
Helping you to start over with confidence
Divorce doesn't define your future. It's time to get to know you. Take your first steps forward with Slater and Gordon.
Keeping things positive
There are many reasons why couples divorce. Sometimes it’s amicable, and in others, marriages may have broken down due to one person and the situation can be trickier. What does help is trying to keep any interaction and communication positive and respectful where possible to avoid ongoing conflict.
However, we do know that divorce is challenging. It brings a lot of stress and upheaval, but we can help you with construction conversation and thoughtful decision making, which can make the process far healthier for all involved.
We also provide family mediation services, which involves working with a neutral, trained family mediator who can help you work through issues together, finding a resolution for all.
You can find out more about our mediation services > Family mediation lawyers
Why choose Slater and Gordon?
We’re one of the UK’s leading family law firms, combining legal knowledge with human understanding. Whatever your situation, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
- Specialist expertise in divorce, finances and child arrangements
- Clear, affordable advice: £150 for a 45-minute consultation
- Tailored support for your unique circumstances
- Local access across the UK, with phone or video options
Why choose Slater and Gordon?
Expertise
We are an award-winning law firm and have a dedicated team of family solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We offer affordable, expert legal advice on divorce and child arrangements. Book a consultation for clear guidance and next steps. Our assessment helps you understand your situation and make informed decisions. Consultation charged at £150 for 45 minutes.
Tailored advice
We understand that family situations differ – so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to split my pension if I get divorced?
Pension funds are an asset, just like your home or the savings you might have in the bank. That's why it's usual for your pension fund or funds to be treated as an asset that should be divided between you and your spouse in the event of divorce.
This may not necessarily happen, but if one partner has built up a significant fund while the other has stayed at home to look after children, for example, then experienced divorce lawyers would be needed to help you understand the best method of making sure that this valuable asset is split fairly.
I have a high net worth, how would divorce affect my assets?
It depends. If you are part of a couple with substantial assets that includes multiple properties, businesses, investments, large pensions etc., then your lawyer would need specialist knowledge. This could include forensic accounting, business valuers and/or tax specialists as an assessment of all wealth is required. We have a number of specialist lawyers with decades of experience who can help, so get in touch today.
What if we can’t agree a divorce financial settlement?
In cases where you and your spouse or civil partner can't agree on a fair division of assets or arrangements for continued financial support, our expert lawyers will suggest mediation to help you agree a deal. Where this still doesn't lead to a divorce financial settlement being agreed, you will have to apply to the court to put a settlement in place, which involves assessing factors such as your respective ages, future earning potential, property and cash assets and who was the main breadwinner.