Expert guidance on divorce financial settlements
Consent Orders, court fees, pensions, and how to protect your assets — in plain English.
The Remarriage Trap: Why Getting Remarried Before a Consent Order Could Cost You Everything
Remarrying before securing a Consent Order is one of the most financially devastating mistakes you can make after divorce in England and Wales. Once you remarry, you permanently lose the right to make financial claims against your former spouse — no matter how much money is at stake. This guide explains exactly what the Remarriage Trap is, who it affects, and how to protect yourself.
What Happens If You Don't Get a Consent Order After Divorce?
Your divorce is finalised — but are your finances truly protected? Without a sealed Consent Order, your former spouse can make financial claims against you years, even decades, later. Here is exactly what is at stake and how to close the door for good.
Consent Order with Children: What the Court Expects
Having children doesn't prevent you from getting a Consent Order — but it does change what the court needs to see. Learn what goes in Form D81, why child maintenance stays separate, and how housing need is assessed.
New Court Fees July 2026: What Changed and What It Costs Now
HMCTS updated family court fees on 13 July 2026. The consent order fee is now £62, the divorce application fee £628. Here's what the current fees are, what applies to your application, and what a fee increase means if you're mid-process.
Mesher Orders and Martin Orders Explained (2026 Guide)
Mesher and Martin Orders defer the sale of the family home instead of dividing it immediately. This guide explains how each works, when courts grant them, and why a clean break is almost always preferred — and may already be within your reach.
What Happens If Your Ex Won't Sign the Consent Order? (2026 Guide)
Your ex is refusing to sign the consent order — but you're not out of options. This guide explains what "won't sign" really means, how to diagnose the refusal, what mediation can do, and when the court can impose a financial settlement without your ex's agreement.
Spousal Maintenance vs Clean Break: Which Is Right for You?
Spousal maintenance keeps a financial link open after divorce. A clean break severs it permanently. This guide explains the difference, when each is appropriate, and how courts decide — so you can make the right choice for your situation.
How to Transfer a Property in a Divorce (Transfer of Equity Guide)
Your Final Order doesn't transfer the house. Here's the complete step-by-step process — from Consent Order to HM Land Registry registration — including mortgage consent, SDLT relief, and what happens if your lender refuses.
Consent Order vs Separation Agreement: Which One Do You Need
A separation agreement and a consent order might sound similar — but they are legally worlds apart. One is a private contract a court can override; the other is a sealed court order that permanently closes future financial claims. Here is how to tell which one you actually need.
Do I Need a Solicitor for a Consent Order? The Honest Answer (2026)
You do not legally need a solicitor to get a Consent Order — but whether you should depends on your circumstances. This guide gives you the honest answer, including when professional advice is genuinely worth it and when a document platform is the smarter choice.
Can I Write My Own Consent Order? Pros, Cons and Risks (2026)
You are legally entitled to write your own consent order in England and Wales — but the risk is in the detail. This guide covers exactly what DIY drafting involves, where it typically goes wrong, and how to decide which route is right for your situation.
Divorce After 50: Financial Risks You Can't Afford to Ignore (2026)
Divorcing after 50 means bigger pensions, larger property equity, and higher financial stakes. This guide covers the specific risks that arise in later-life divorce — and what you need to do to protect yourself.
Can You Get a Consent Order After Your Divorce Is Finalised? (Yes — Here's How)
You can get a consent order at any point after divorce — there's no time limit. But if either party remarries, the door closes permanently. Here's the full process, costs, and what to watch out for.
Consent Order Rejected? Here's Why — and What to Do Next (2026)
Most "rejected" consent orders aren't rejected at all — they're queried. Here are the 10 most common reasons, how to respond to a Letter of Requisition, and how to avoid it happening in the first place.
What Is a Clean Break Divorce? Everything You Need to Know (2026)
A clean break divorce permanently severs all financial ties — but divorce alone doesn't give you one. You need a court order. Here's what a clean break means, when it works, when it doesn't, and how to get one.
Consent Order Checklist: Everything You Need Before You Submit (2026)
A complete, printable checklist for your consent order application — from gathering CETVs to receiving the sealed order. Tick every box and your application is ready to submit.
Form D81 Explained: How to Fill It In Field by Field (2026 Guide)
Form D81 is the most common reason consent orders get delayed. This field-by-field guide shows you exactly what to write in every section — with examples for standard cases and no-asset cases.
How Long Does a Consent Order Take? (2026 UK Timeline)
Court approval takes 4–12 weeks. The full process — from gathering financial information to sealed order — takes 3–6 months. Here's the complete stage-by-stage timeline and how to avoid the delays that add months.
How to Divide Debt in a Divorce: Who Pays What? (UK Guide)
Your lender doesn't care about your divorce. Joint debts remain your full responsibility unless repaid, refinanced, or addressed in a consent order. Here's how to protect yourself.
How Courts Decide If Your Consent Order Is Fair (Section 25 Explained)
A judge doesn't just rubber-stamp your consent order. Section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 lists 8 factors every judge must assess before approving it. Here's what they're looking for — in plain English.
Do You Need a Consent Order If You Have No Assets? (Yes — Here's Why)
We have nothing to divide" is the most common reason couples skip a consent order — and the most expensive mistake. A no-asset clean break costs from £261 and protects everything you'll build in the future.
Can Your Ex Claim Against You Years After Divorce? (The Law Is Clear)
There is no time limit on financial claims after divorce in England and Wales. Your ex can claim against your business, pension, inheritance, or lottery win — decades later. Here's what you need to know.
Consent Order vs Financial Order: What's the Difference? (2026 Guide)
A consent order costs from £261. A contested financial order costs £5,000–£30,000+ per person. Both divide your finances on divorce — but the route you take changes everything
How to Get a Consent Order in England & Wales (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)
Your divorce ends the marriage — not the financial claims. Here's the complete 6-step process for getting a court-approved Consent Order in 2026, with current costs, timelines, and what the judge looks for.
How Much Does a Clean Break Order Cost in the UK? (2026 Guide)
A clean break order costs from £199 + £62 court fee — but skipping one could cost you everything. Full price breakdown, provider comparison, and the Wyatt v Vince warning every divorcing couple needs to know.
Pension Sharing in Divorce: What the 2026 Reform Means for Your Settlement
71% of divorce settlements ignore pensions entirely. With the Government's "A Fairer End to Relationships" consultation closing on 14 August 2026, here's why pension sharing is the most important decision in your financial settlement.
Best DIY Divorce Financial Tools in the UK (2026 Comparison)
You've agreed on the split — now you need the right tool to make it legal. We compare five options for getting a court-ready Consent Order in 2026: DIY, templates, fixed-fee solicitors, mediation, and automated platforms.
Protect Your Pension in Divorce: CETV, Pension Sharing & Clean Break
Pensions are often worth more than the house — yet most divorcing couples don't even discuss them. Here's how CETV values work, your three options for handling pensions, and how to make sure your retirement is protected.
Divorce Financial Settlement: Everything You Need to Know (2026 Guide)
Your divorce only ends the marriage — the financial settlement ends everything else. This comprehensive guide covers what's included, how the court decides what's fair, your three options for reaching agreement, and how to make it legally binding.
How to Submit a Consent Order to the Family Court: Step-by-Step
Your financial agreement isn't legally binding until a judge seals it. Here's exactly what documents you need, where to send them, what the court fee is, and how to avoid the mistakes that cause delays.
Can I Write My Own Consent Order in the UK?
You can legally draft your own Consent Order — but DIY orders get rejected far more often than professionally drafted ones. Here's what the court actually requires and your three realistic options.
What Happens If You Don't Get a Consent Order After Divorce?
Divorce only ends the marriage — not the financial claims. Without a Consent Order, your ex can claim your property, pension, and savings years later. Here's what you need to know.
5 Reasons Your Consent Order Might Be Rejected by the Judge
A District Judge can refuse to approve your Consent Order. Here are the 5 most common reasons — and how to make sure yours gets through first time.
Do I Need a Solicitor for a Consent Order? The Honest Answer
There's no legal requirement to use a solicitor for a Consent Order. But should you? Here's an honest breakdown of when professional help is worth it — and when it isn't.
Form D81 Explained: What It Is and How to Fill It In
Form D81 is the financial summary the court needs to approve your Consent Order. Here's a plain-English guide to every section — no legal jargon.
How Much Does a Consent Order Cost in 2026?
Solicitors charge £1,500-£3,500 for a Consent Order. But do you actually need one? Here's a transparent breakdown of every cost involved — and how to save over £1,000.
What Is a Clean Break Order? Everything You Need to Know
A Clean Break Order permanently ends all financial ties between you and your ex-spouse. Here's what it does, who needs one, and how to get one without paying thousands in solicitor fees.