Domestic abuse affects individuals across all backgrounds, and while most narratives focus on female victims, men also experience abuse in various forms. Abuse can be emotional, financial, physical, or psychological, and it can involve coercive control – a pattern of behaviour that seeks to isolate, dominate, and manipulate. For men affected by such behaviour, understanding that support is available, and that law protects all victims of domestic abuse is a vital step towards getting help.

Understanding coercive control
Coercive control is a damaging form of abuse involving manipulation to gain power over another person. Signs may include limiting a partner’s social contact and activities, restricting finances, or using guilt to create dependency. Men experiencing this type of abuse may feel confused, isolated, or reluctant to reach out, fearing they won’t be taken seriously. Identifying these patterns is crucial, as coercive control has been legally recognised as a form of abuse in the UK since 2015.

Under the Serious Crime Act, coercive control is prosecutable regardless of the victim’s gender. Knowing this protection exists under UK law can help men understand their rights and acknowledge that their experiences are valid.

Getting help
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, there are several steps you can take to get help:

1. Reaching out for support: In the UK, organizations such as the Mankind Initiative and Respect Men’s Advice Line offer confidential support for men experiencing abuse. These services can provide emotional support, guidance, and access to resources like counselling or safe housing if needed.
2. Document incidents: Keeping a record of incidents, including photos or messages can be valuable if you decide to take legal action.
3. Consider counselling: Speaking with a counsellor offers a safe space to process experiences and begin healing. Many mental health professionals are trained to support abuse survivors and can help rebuild confidence and set boundaries.
4. Seeking legal advice: Law firms experienced in domestic abuse cases can provide guidance on legal protections such as non-molestation orders and occupation orders. A confidential chat with a legal professional can help clarify immediate protection options and next steps if separation or child arrangements are involved. They can also assist in reporting coercive control if required.
5. Getting help from the authorities: If you feel you are in immediate danger, don’t hesitate to contact the police. The police can offer urgent protection and guide you on immediate next steps.

How UK law protects all victims
The UK’s Domestic Abuse Act of 2021 expanded protections for abuse victims, ensuring anyone affected can seek help. This legislation includes coercive control, emotional manipulation, and financial control. Non-molestation orders can legally protect victims, and occupation orders may allow them to remain in their homes safely. Where children are involved, the law prioritises their best interests to keep them safe.

Contact us
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, know that there is support for you. You have the right to safety, and taking action is a courageous step towards getting out of a distressful situation.

For a confidential chat or further advice, please contact Naim Qureshi on 01494 781356 or email naim.qureshi@blasermills.co.uk.

In today’s evolving legal landscape, postnuptial agreements are becoming increasingly relevant. These agreements, drafted and signed after a couple is already married, serve as a vital tool in managing marital assets and clarifying financial responsibilities. Their significance lies in the protection they offer, not just in the event of a divorce, but throughout the marriage itself.

A postnuptial agreement, much like its counterpart, the prenuptial agreement, outlines the distribution of assets, financial duties, and other pertinent financial issues between spouses. However, the distinction is that a postnuptial agreement is created after the marriage has taken place. This timing allows couples to base their agreement on the realities of their marriage rather than pre-marital assumptions.

Lucinda Holliday, Partner and Head of the Family and Divorce team, outlines the key benefits.

Financial clarity and security
One of the primary benefits of a postnuptial agreement is its ability to provide financial clarity and security. Marriages often face unexpected changes, whether due to career shifts, inheritance, or other life events. A postnuptial agreement can address these changes by updating the financial terms and responsibilities agreed upon by both parties. This not only helps in managing expectations but also reduces the potential disputes, ensuring that both partners are on the same page regarding their assets and liabilities.

Safeguarding individual interests
Postnuptial agreements can be particularly advantageous in safeguarding individual interests. For instance, if one spouse starts a business after marriage, a postnuptial agreement can delineate the ownership and financial rights related to the business. This can prevent future conflicts and protect the business from being subject to division in the event of a divorce. Similarly, if one partner receives a significant inheritance or gift, a postnuptial agreement can ensure that these assets are preserved and remain separate from the marital property.

Protecting children’s interests
The importance of postnuptial agreements also extends to protecting children, whether from a previous relationship or the current marriage. By clearly defining the financial provisions for children, such as inheritance rights and educational expenses, postnuptial agreements can provide a sense of security and stability. This is particularly crucial in blended families, where the financial dynamics can be more complex.

Fostering marital improvement
Postnuptial agreements can serve as a tool for marital improvement. The process of creating a postnuptial agreement requires open and honest communication about finances, which can help to build trust and transparency between partners.

Legal enforceability and fairness
Legally, the enforceability of postnuptial agreements has seen a positive shift. Courts are increasingly recognising these agreements, provided they are entered into freely by both parties, with full disclosure of assets, and without any form of coercion. Ensuring that the agreement is fair and reasonable at the time of its creation and at the time it is intended to be enforced is crucial for its validity.

As the legal landscape continues to evolve, the importance of these agreements is likely to grow, making them a prudent consideration for married couples.

To speak to the Family and Divorce team regarding pre or post nuptial agreements call 01494 478603 or email Lucinda Holliday on lucinda.holliday@blasermills.co.uk.

Navigating divorce finances

Divorce is often a challenging and stressful process, especially when it comes to dividing financial assets and property.

A recent Nuffield-funded research study titled “Fair Shares? Sorting out money and property on divorce” sheds light on the intricacies of this issue in England and Wales. Led by Professor Emma Hitchings at the University of Bristol, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the current legal framework functions and its impact on divorcing couples.

Naim Qureshi, Senior Associate, from the Family and Divorce team at Blaser Mills Law outlines key findings from the study.

Financial context

Contrary to media portrayals, the study reveals that most divorcees involve modest assets, with a median total asset pool of £135,000. This means that the average picture for divorcing couples is far removed from what you might see in the news.

Financial vulnerability is pronounced, especially among women and mothers. This was partly because they were less likely to work full time and on average earned less than their husbands primarily because of the impact of having children on their employment. They also tended to accumulate less pension during the marriage as a result of this.

Lack of financial and legal knowledge

The study also highlights the lack of awareness among a significant number of divorcees regarding the family and their ex-spouses’ finances which creates further vulnerability. Although 60% of divorcees turn to a solicitor for advice, 40% do not and the study stresses the need for authoritative, clear, and accessible information sources to navigate the complex landscape of financial settlements on divorce.

A personalised approach

The study underlines the need for a personalised approach in reaching financial arrangements during divorce. Although the factors that are taken into consideration when looking at a financial settlement are set out in legislation, because of the individual circumstances, no two cases are the same so it’s important to seek help from a professional that will offer tailored advice.

Sorting out finances

The research unravels confusion around dispute resolution methods and legal support, with cost concerns deterring many from seeking legal assistance. Only 32% of divorcees used legal services.  

Worryingly, 36% of divorcees stated that they had not made any financial arrangement with their ex-spouse when they divorced. The study highlights the potential benefits of legal oversight in ensuring fair financial arrangements and when using a lawyer, the research showed that couples were more likely to consider the pension arrangements, on-going spousal maintenance, and a greater share of the home for the wife.

Splitting equally – is not the norm!

It’s important not to assume you will both get a broadly equal split, the study reports that only 28% of divorcees received approximately half of the total asset pool. Unequal distribution is often the case because of the individual circumstances, needs, and objectives of the divorcees.

Pensions, assets, and debts

The study highlights lack of awareness and understanding of pensions, emphasizing their significant role in determining post-divorce financial positions. Pensions are often one of the largest assets in a divorce. The research showed a lack of interest in the pension and a view that it should remain with the person who contributed to the pension.

Achieving a financial clean break

A significant proportion of divorcees aspired to achieve a clean financial break and having no financial ties with the ex-spouse. Spousal maintenance arrangements were primarily used to address post-divorce living adjustments rather than serving as a perpetual income source. Maintenance is not the meal ticket it was.

In conclusion, “Fair Shares?” provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by divorcing couples, shedding light on the complexities that influence financial decisions and outcomes in England and Wales. Understanding the intricacies of financial arrangements during divorce is essential, and the study’s recommendations aim to help divorcing couples better prepare for what may lay ahead.

For further information or advice please contact Naim Qureshi on 01494 781356 or email naq@blasermills.co.uk.

January 22^nd – 26^th marks Family Mediation Week, an opportunity to raise awareness of family mediation and the benefits it may bring to separating families.

Family mediation is a process in which an independent and professionally trained mediator helps separating couples resolve any challenges and disputes faced when parting ways. The mediator will help you to work out arrangements for things such as housing, children, and finances, including pensions and other assets.

Mediation involves an initial assessment meeting, often referred to as a MIAM – Mediation information and assessment meeting, where the mediator will see you on your own to discuss the process and find out what you are hoping to achieve and for you both to consider whether mediation will be appropriate in your case. There will then be a series of joint sessions between you and your partner, which are facilitated by a mediator. The mediator will help you and your partner make decisions in a constructive and confidential setting, making sure all disputes are resolved with as little conflict as possible.

If you do not feel comfortable with face-to- face mediation, the mediator will offer video mediation or shuttle mediation – where you will each be in a separate room and the mediator will shuttle between you.

What are the benefits?
There are several benefits to the mediation process, some of which are set out below:

Cost effective: Mediation tends to be more cost-effective than involving solicitors. Even if you do not come up with a complete agreement in mediation, the mediator should help you narrow the issues that are being disputed.

Confidential: Disputes resolved through mediation and not in court are completely confidential for both parties involved.

Faster outcome: Mediation generally takes less time to complete, allowing for an earlier solution than through the legal or court route.

More control: Mediation increases the control both parties have over the resolution. Both parties are involved in negotiating their own agreement and no settlement can be imposed upon you.

It improves communication: The mediation process helps both parties to focus on communicating effectively and relieves the pressure and stress that court disputes may bring.

Flexible: The process is informal and there are no formal rules and evidence required although the mediators at Blaser Mills Law will explain the advantages of full financial disclosure.

How Blaser Mills Law can help
By focusing on clear and open communication, family mediation has the potential to get you and your partner on the same page.

Voucher Scheme
Blaser Mills Law is part of the Family Mediation Voucher scheme, where in some cases, we can help you claim up to £500 towards your mediation costs.

The Ministry of Justice scheme, offers contributions of up to £500 per case/family for mediation that includes the arrangements for the children / child , encouraging people to seek to resolve their disputes outside of court where appropriate to do so.

The purpose of the scheme is to promote the benefits of mediation and divert matters where appropriate away from the family courts which are backlogged and a much more contentious way of trying to resolve most cases.

Lucinda Holliday
With over 10 years of experience in mediation, Lucinda Holliday qualified as a mediator in 2011 and became accredited in 2018.  Lucinda went on to qualify as a child inclusive mediation in 2020 which means she can facilitate your children being heard in the mediation process when relevant.

She is an expert in her field with expertise in dissolution, divorce, and separation and the associated financial issues and children matters that might occur as a result of the breakdown of a relationship.

To speak to Lucinda further about family mediation services call 01494 478603 or email ljmh@blasermills.co.uk.

In the current economic environment, more individuals are likely to find that they are unable to pay their debts or will need to take action to manage their debts.

When faced with financial difficulties where debts have become too difficult to service, individual insolvency proceedings might be unavoidable, and an individual might consider entering into an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) or might be made bankrupt.

Either way, this could have a significant bearing on a financial settlement if that individual is divorcing or separating from another and could make a divorce or separation more stressful and complicated than it would otherwise have been. In some cases, a financial settlement which has already been agreed, might be affected if one of the parties subsequently becomes bankrupt.

A bankrupt’s ability to raise a mortgage to secure a home will be affected and there is inevitably a conflict between the trustees in bankruptcy and the rights of the bankrupt’s family. The trustee in bankruptcy owes duties to the bankruptcy creditors and is under a duty to realise the assets in the bankrupt’s estate as quickly and effectively as possible.  This could be to the detriment of the bankrupt’s spouse / partner and their children.

In financial remedy proceedings, the court has powers to redistribute assets and income between spouses following the breakdown of the relationship in order to ensure that a fair settlement is reached. When trustees in bankruptcy are involved, this inevitably becomes more complicated.

Depending on whose name the family home is in, issues regarding the occupation of the family home and protecting the home from the trustees in bankruptcy are likely to arise.

Timing is often critical and if there is a possibility of insolvency proceedings, immediate advice should be sought so that both parties have a full understanding of the impact of insolvency proceedings on a financial settlement. Likewise, if the finances have recently been agreed and a party subsequently becomes insolvent, advice should be sought.

A solicitor and licensed insolvency practitioner at Blaser Mills Law commented: “The cost of living crisis and the increase in interest rates is likely to put pressure on the finances of a large number of individuals.  Financial pressures are inevitably exacerbated where a couple divorce or separate as it usually leads to additional costs alongside a dislocation in the family and sometimes a reduction in income.  Where individuals are considering taking action to end a relationship, and one of the parties is facing possible insolvency, it is important to take early advice to secure assets and minimise the impact on the insolvent individual’s partner and their children.

Get in touch
Whether you require assistance during a divorce or separation or need to escalate your matter in relation to insolvency, please get in touch with Lucinda Holliday on ljmh@blasermills.co.uk.

Common law marriage is a concept that refers to a marriage-like relationship between two people who live together for a certain period of time, without getting married or registering their partnership formally. This type of arrangement is recognised in some countries but not in the UK.

Naim Qureshi, Senior Associate in our Family & Divorce team, explores what this means for couples who choose to live together without getting married.

What is common law marriage?
The exact definition of common law marriage can vary depending on the country which it is recognised, it refers to a relationship in which the couple has not formalised their union through marriage or civil partnership.

In some countries, common law marriage is recognised as a legal status that provides certain rights and protections to the couple.

Is common law marriage recognised in the UK?
The law in the UK means that even if a couple have lived together for many years, they do not have the same legal rights and protections as a married couple. Many people think we do have this system, but when it comes to dividing finances, parental rights and even inheritance rights, the law in the UK largely fails to offer protection if there is a split between a cohabiting, unmarried, couple.

What are the implications of this for couples?#
Some of the key areas where unmarried couples are impacted include:

• Inheritance rights
• Pension rights
• Property rights
• Parental rights
• Tax breaks and benefits

What can cohabiting couples do to protect themselves?
Couples who choose to live together without getting married do not have the same legal rights and protections as married or civil-partnered couples. However, there are steps that couples can take to protect themselves and their assets. By taking these steps, couples can ensure that they are prepared for any eventuality and that their rights and interests are protected. Some of these steps include:

Cohabitation agreement
A cohabitation agreement can be drawn up to establish the couple’s rights and responsibilities towards each other in the event of separation. It covers finances, property and what will happen to your children if you were to split or if either partner was to become ill or pass away.

Cohabitation agreements are popular with unmarried couples living together, as they cover all aspects of joint life and the complexities a split can have on this and offer protection for both parties and their assets. Cohabitation agreements can go as far as providing protections similar to marriage, such as providing equal shares of assets or access to pensions.

Make a Will
Couples should each make a Will to ensure that their assets are distributed according to their wishes in the event of their death.

Having a will offers you the chance to address what you would like to happen when you are no longer here, and as well as providing protection for unmarried couples, it can also benefit friends and family.

How Blaser Mills Law can help
If you would like to put a cohabitation agreements in place or discuss your matter further with our Family & Divorce team, contact Naim on 01494 781356 or email naq@blasermills.co.uk.  

The 5-12^th March 2023 marks ‘No More Week’. The campaign seeks to unite and strengthen a diverse community of members of the public and organisations nationwide to actively take a stand against domestic abuse and sexual violence. Domestic abuse isn’t always physical and can often come in the form of coercive control.

What is coercive control?
Coercive control is when a person you are connected with, continues to behave in a way which makes you feel controlled, isolated or frightened. Coercive control can be difficult to recognise and sadly can often lead to physical violence. It’s also a criminal offence under the Section 76 Serious Crime Act 2015.

The following types of behaviours are common examples of coercive control (not exhaustive):

• Isolating you from your support system
• Monitoring your activity throughout the day
• Controlling financial spend and assets
• Denying you freedom and autonomy
• Gaslighting
• Any form of assault or threatening behaviour
• Controlling aspects of your health
• Humiliation and intimidation
• Threatening your children
• Sexual coercion

How our Family & Divorce team can help

If allegations of coercive control arise as part of the proceedings, the victim and abuser may find they have to deal with family and criminal courts. These types of cases often involve both family and criminal lawyers as some behaviour can be classed as a criminal offence.

Our family lawyers can help you to break free from the coercive control and regain your independence and can assist you in securing legal protection against an abusive partner. They have experience of litigating with people who exhibit tendencies of coercive control or narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and can support you through this process effectively because of this.

Our team will approach your case in confidence and help to minimise any further distress in what is already a difficult situation. To speak to a member of the team in confidence please call Lucinda Holliday on 01494 478603 or email ljmh@blasermills.co.uk. 

Free confidential support in the UK

Safe Spaces are open in Boots, TSB Banks, Superdrug pharmacies, Morrisons & Well pharmacies & many independent pharmacies across the UK. If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, you can use Safe Spaces to call a helpline, support service or loved one.

Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline : 0808 2000 247

The Men’s Advice Line run by Respect is a confidential helpline specifically for male victims: 0808 801 0327

When a relationship breaks down there is an enormous impact on the individuals involved. For many people, the priority is the children or how they are going to be able to afford to put a roof over their heads after the separation.

When caught up in such significant change, it is easy to overlook some of the less obvious effects of the relationship breakdown which could have a substantial financial impact. Although most of us are aware that “the only two certainties in life are death and taxes” often tax issues relating to the breakdown of the relationship are overlooked.

When considering options for settlement it is vital that you understand the tax implications of the options available to you. Money drawn from a business is likely to incur tax liabilities as will the encashment of shares and some investments. In many cases couples who own second homes together or individually need to decide whether these should be sold or transferred from one or another to allow them to rehouse. As with any disposal, there are likely to be capital gains tax implications for selling a property or transferring it. These need to be considered when looking at a divorce settlement or when leaving a cohabiting relationship.

Even the sale or transfer of the family home can have tax implications, particularly if one of the owners has left the family home for some time and regardless of whether they have bought another home. Although tax might be due on the transfer of assets, there is relief that might be available in some cases and
you need to be aware of this. The timing of the transfer or sale of the property can also be critical.

The current rules regarding taxation are due to change as a result of the proposed new revisions which will be introduced in the Finance Bill 2022/2023. These changes are due to take effect in April 2023 which could benefit individuals but again, timing is essential.

Although solicitors are not tax experts, it is important that your solicitor highlights any tax issues and refers you to specialist tax advisers, if they feel it is necessary, so that you are not adversely affected by tax and that any tax liabilities are considered in a financial settlement.

How Blaser Mills Law can help

The Family & Divorce team at Blaser Mills Law can highlight these issues and can signpost you to experts who can provide additional support if needed. For further information or advice please get please do not hesitate to contact Lucinda Holliday on 01494 478603 or email ljmh@blasermills.co.uk.

I was recently discussing the effect of divorce with a close friend of mine who is a GP. I commented on the impact of separation and divorce on a client’s physical well-being and he pointed out that one question found in almost every health insurance application is ‘have you divorced or separated in the last two years?’. He claimed that the link between mental and physical health is indisputable.

Separating and divorcing is traumatic at the best of times. Your relationship is breaking down, your financial stability is threatened, your home might be taken away from you and perhaps most importantly you will also need to consider child arrangements.

Even in an amicable divorce, the consequences are huge but when a divorce involves a high-conflict personality the effects can be devastating. Although it’s convenient to use labels such as narcissistic personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, or coercive control, the impact is often the same.

Some researchers estimate that 15-30% of marriages end due to a high-conflict, and the rest end in a low-conflict divorce.

Managing the process of divorce or separation if one (or both) party has such a personality is challenging. Specific strategies need to be adopted to minimise the impact on both parties and most importantly on the children.

I regularly read articles that suggest that when divorcing a person with a high-conflict personality, the objective of that person is not necessarily the best financial settlement or the best solution for their children. Their wish is often simply to annihilate the other.

This makes managing the process significantly more complex than just dealing with the legal aspects of the relationship breakdown. Whilst not requiring a qualification in psychotherapy, your lawyer needs a full understanding of the impact of a relationship breakdown involving a high-conflict personality.

Joint accounts will be closed without consent, credit cards will be cancelled, and children will be taken away without the others’ consent or alienated. The tactics of an individual with a high-conflict personality are numerous and destructive. All these need to be pre-empted and dealt with effectively.

Understanding the impact of dealing with such a person inevitably makes the process easier for our clients although it is unlikely that it will ever be referred to as easy.

Get in touch with Lucinda

Lucinda Holliday works closely with a team of psychotherapists and counsellors and has extensive experience and training on how to deal with high-conflict personalities in separation/divorce.

Lucinda is also local to Marlow and is located at the Blaser Mills Law office in Liston Court.

For a confidential chat with Lucinda, you can contact her directly on 01494 478 603 or email ljmh@blasermills.co.uk.

October marks World Menopause Month and with the subject no longer being swept under the carpet we are encouraged to have conversations that help to break
down the barriers and taboos surrounding menopause.

Menopause can be challenging, both physically and emotionally, which can often lead to tension within a relationship that may result in a breakdown or even divorce
in some cases.

The ONS statistics (Divorce in England and Wales: 2020) suggest that 60% of all divorce petitions are started by women and that 40% of those petitions
are initiated by women aged 45-55, who are likely to be going through menopause.

Dealing with the breakdown of a relationship or divorce can be stressful at the best of times, additional menopause symptoms can put a huge strain on the
relationship especially when the perception is that the other half isn’t as understanding as you’d hoped.

Could relationships be better protected if women and their partners understood how menopause works its way into all aspects of a woman’s life?

Lucinda Holliday in the Family & Divorce team at Blaser Mills Law offers some advice and best practice.

Educate: It’s important both you and your partner understand the symptoms of menopause, how long they can potentially last, and why these changes are happening
to your body. Educating on the subject will help to understand emotions better and hopefully break some barriers.

Communicate: This is the most powerful tool in your box. Take your time and have those important conversations about needs, expectations, and satisfactions.

Speak to others: Sometimes speaking to a third party such as family, friends, solicitors, or therapists can help to see things more clearly. It can also provide you with the additional support you might need.

Self–reflection: It’s important to understand where your feelings are coming from. Is it linked to your menopause and are your feelings temporary? Or are they here to stay and has the relationship actually broken down irretrievably?

Problem solve – together: Outline what the key issues are and as a couple come up with solutions of how you can improve them. Never fear change and compromise.
Take your time in making decisions: A significant change in hormones can lead to some hasty decision-making. Take your time with any decisions that may come your way.

Are there any other options?
Divorce can be a huge and overwhelming decision. You can try some alternative solutions such as:

Mediation: Mediation is a process in which an independent and professionally trained mediator helps couples resolve any challenges and disputes that you may arise
when separating. Lucinda has over 10 years of experience in Mediation and can discuss this route further.

Therapy: Although speaking to a therapist may be daunting it can be very useful for people that struggle to understand the changes taking place help to start those
difficult conversations. Blaser Mills Law has an extensive network of professionals that can be recommended to you.

Get in touch with Blaser Mills Law
To speak to the Family & Divorce team at Blaser Mills Law on divorce and menopause or to discuss mediation further please contact Lucinda on 01494 478603 or email ljmh@blasermills.co.uk.

Divorce is a complex and emotionally challenging process, often accompanied by financial implications. In the United Kingdom, gender disparities in wealth distribution have been a recent topic of discussion. Lucinda Holliday, Partner and Head of Family and Divorce at Blaser Mills Law, delves into the financial differences between men and women during divorce proceedings in the UK, shedding light on the factors contributing to these differences.

Earning capacity and career disruptions

One significant factor influencing financial differences in divorce between men and women in the UK is earning capacity. Historically, women have faced obstacles in their career advancement due to societal expectations and gender roles. The gap in earning potential often translates into imbalances during divorce settlements.

Women frequently experience career disruptions, such as taking breaks to care for children or elderly family members, which can limit their earning potential. This places them at a disadvantage when negotiating financial settlements. In contrast, men, who are more likely to maintain continuous employment, tend to have higher incomes and greater financial stability.

Division of assets

Another aspect contributing to financial disparities is the division of assets during divorce. In the UK, matrimonial assets are typically divided equally if that meets their respective needs, considering factors like property, savings, pensions, and investments. However, in practice, the division may not always result in an equal distribution.

Gender gaps in wealth accumulation can affect the division of assets. For instance, if one partner has contributed significantly more to the marital assets, they may be entitled to a larger share. In cases where the man is the primary breadwinner, this can result in a financial advantage for him, leaving the woman with fewer resources post-divorce.

Maintenance payments

Maintenance payments play a crucial role in determining the financial outcome of a divorce. Historically, women were more likely to receive spousal maintenance, as they were often financially dependent on their partners. However, societal shifts have seen an increase in women’s financial independence and an increase in the Courts opting for clean breaks if possible where there is no maintenance or maintenance for only a number of years.

Despite these changes, women are still more likely to be financially disadvantaged after divorce. They often face higher levels of financial need due to factors like childcare responsibilities and lower earning potential. As a result, they may require ongoing financial support from their ex-spouses. However, the awarding and enforcement of spousal maintenance can be contentious, and many women do not receive the full support they require.

A multi-faced approach
Financial differences between males and females in divorce proceedings in the UK can be attributed to various factors. Earning capacity disparities, career disruptions, unequal division of assets, and challenges in securing adequate spousal maintenance all contribute to the imbalance. As societal norms continue to evolve, efforts must be made to promote gender equality in both financial and professional realms.

Addressing these disparities requires a multi-faceted approach, including promoting equal career opportunities, encouraging shared parental responsibilities, and ensuring fair division of assets and support payments. By working towards a more equitable divorce process, we can strive for financial parity between males and females, fostering a more just and inclusive society.

Get in touch with Lucinda

Having experienced a divorce herself, Lucinda understands the emotional strain and stress that an individual may be going through allowing her to offer valuable advice and support to her clients.

To speak to Lucinda call 01494 478603 or email ljmh@blasermills.co.uk.