Managing your finances
Articles
Top five money issues couples argue about
It may sound strange to think about having an ‘emotional relationship’ with something as practical as money, but it can actually be a highly effective way of understanding your feelings and behaviours.
How to protect your finances during separation if you were cohabiting
As soon as it’s clear that you’re going to separate from your partner, there are important steps you may need to take to protect your finances. If your break-up is acrimonious, you may have to act quickly. Find out what you need to do.
How to protect your finances during divorce or dissolution
If you’re getting divorced or dissolving your civil partnership you may have to act quickly to protect your finances – especially if the break-up is difficult and you are on bad terms. You may not need to take all the steps outlined below, but it’s important that you know your rights and responsibilities.
How to sort out your finances on separation if you were cohabiting
If you’ve been living together as a couple and then separate, you have fewer rights than couples who divorce or dissolve their civil partnership. Your break-up will be more straightforward if you can agree about the things you are dividing, such as your property, possessions and assets.
How to sort out your finances on divorce or dissolution
When you begin the process of divorce or dissolving your civil partnership, you might be wondering how much you’ll be able to sort out on your own – and whether you need a solicitor. This will depend on several things, including how easy you and your ex-partner find it to discuss financial issues.
How to pay legal fees when you separate if you were cohabiting
If you decide to take your partner to court for a share of the home you’ve lived in or because you can’t agree how to divide joint assets or possessions, you will have to pay legal and other fees. If you can’t pay them from your savings or income, you may have to look at other options.
How to pay legal fees on divorce or dissolution
When you get divorced or dissolve your civil partnership, there will be costs to pay. Unless you qualify for state help, you and/or your husband, wife or civil partner will have to pay them. If you can’t pay them from your savings or income, you may have to look at other options.
Protecting against financial abuse
Everyone has the right to financial independence. If your partner is controlling your money or running up debts in your name, it’s financial abuse. But there’s no need to struggle on alone. Here are some of the things you can do and where to go for help and support.
How to deal with problem debt after separation
You may have debts with your ex-partner, or you may owe money in your own name. Money might be tight while you sort out your finances after you separate, but don’t ignore debt problems. The sooner you deal with them, the easier it will be.
Sort out joint bank accounts, insurance, bills and other finances with your ex-partner
If you and your partner are splitting up, it’s likely that you’ll have some joint finances, such as bank accounts or loans, to sort out. You may also have taken out insurance policies and have bills in both your names that you will need to cancel or transfer. Find out what you need to know and do.
What to do with a lump sum payment after divorce or dissolution
You may get a lump sum as part of your financial settlement. If you haven’t already decided what you’ll use it for, think about your options carefully. Take professional advice if you’re unsure about what to do.
Build up your retirement savings after divorce or dissolution
As part of your financial settlement, you may have received part of your ex-husband, wife or civil partner’s pensions. Or you may have given up a share of yours. Whatever your circumstances after you separate, and once you can afford to, it’s important to start or to build up your retirement savings.
Your financial position in a new relationship
If you remarry or form a new civil partnership, or live with a new partner, it’s likely to affect your finances. It should mean you spend less because you share household costs and it could also mean you open a joint bank account or take out a mortgage together. Find out the best way to arrange your finances.
Useful links
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When separating you may not be sure what the status of is of your and your partner's pension. This article looks at different scenarios.
Pensions -
This guide aims to help you understand more about what a judge might do in a case like yours to give you a better chance of making a fair agreement with your ex without having to go to court.
A survival guide to sorting out your financed when getting divorced -
When you divorce or end a civil partnership you and your ex-partner need to agree how to separate your finances. This includes deciding how you’re going to divide pensions, property, savings and investments.
Money and property when a relationship ends -
You might be able to get help with your living costs if you separate from your partner. It's worth checking what benefits you might be able to get, or whether you can get anything extra on top of what you already claim.
Benefits and help with council tax when you separate