Financial Settlement Lawyers in Portsmouth, Chichester and Alton

Our main aim is to avoid costly legal proceedings, partly because it retains more money in the family and partly because it helps to preserve relationships…

At JC Solicitors our financial settlement lawyers are very well aware of the financial and emotional impact that a relationship breakdown can have and we adopt a sensitive and understanding approach to all our work.

When addressing financial matters and separating finances our main aim is to avoid costly legal proceedings, partly because it retains more money in the family and partly because it helps to preserve relationships. So wherever possible we will try to reach an agreement with your spouse/partner as to the division of assets by way of negotiation.

If matters cannot be agreed, then court proceedings may have to be initiated, known as financial relief proceedings, previously and more commonly referred to as ‘ancillary relief proceedings’.

Dealing with the financial aspects of a relationship breakdown can be extremely stressful. It is well worth seeking some initial advice on the procedure for dealing with your financial affairs, as if matters are straightforward then court proceedings could be avoided.

Call our Alton office on 01420 544 273 or our Chichester office on 01243 850 860.

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Understanding Financial Matters After Separation or Divorce

When people talk about “financial matters” after separation, they usually mean reaching a fair agreement about how assets, income and liabilities should be dealt with now the relationship has ended.

Early legal advice matters because it helps you:

Understand what a fair outcome could look like
Avoid informal arrangements that may not protect you long-term
Identify urgent issues (for example, mortgage payments or access to joint accounts)

It’s also important to understand the difference between:

Informal agreements (which may be difficult to enforce)
Court-approved financial orders (which can provide certainty and finality)

If you’re unsure how property ownership affects your position, this guide on how to own property may help.

What Financial Matters Need to Be Resolved?

Every relationship is different, but financial settlements commonly involve the following areas.

Property and Housing

This may include:

What happens to the family home

Whether one person will buy out the other’s share or the property will be sold

Other property interests, including investment or overseas property

If you’re not sure whether a property is registered (or why it matters), this may be useful background reading: Is your house registered with the land registry.

Savings, Investments, and Capital Financial settlements can include:

Bank accounts and savings

ISAs, shares, bonds and other investments

Lump sum settlements

Pensions

Pensions are often one of the most valuable assets and can be overlooked.

A settlement may involve:

Pension sharing orders
Pension offsetting

Business Interests

If one or both parties own or have an interest in a business, this may affect the settlement, including:

Sole traders

Company shares

Family businesses

Debts and Liabilities

It’s important to clarify responsibility for:

Mortgages

Loans

Credit cards

We can advise on how debts are treated and what happens if liabilities remain in joint names after separation.

Spousal Maintenance

In some cases, ongoing financial support may be appropriate.

We can advise on:

When maintenance may apply
Short-term vs long-term maintenance
Clean break settlements (where appropriate)

Resolving Financial Matters Without Going to Court

Wherever possible, we aim to help you reach an agreement without court proceedings.

This can include:

Negotiation through solicitors
Voluntary financial disclosure
Exploring options that reduce conflict and legal costs

If you’d like to explore alternatives to court, you may find our wider services hub helpful: https://www.jcsolicitors.com/services/

What Happens If an Agreement Cannot Be Reached?

If agreement isn’t possible, you may need to consider court proceedings to achieve a fair outcome.

Financial Relief Proceedings Explained

Financial relief (often referred to as “financial remedy”) proceedings are the court process used to decide financial arrangements after divorce or separation.

The court’s role is to consider the circumstances of the case and make an order that is fair.

The Court Process for Financial Matters

The process may include:

Application stage

Financial disclosure (often using Form E)

Hearings (FDA, FDR, Final Hearing)

Timeframes (which vary depending on complexity and court availability)

How JC Solicitors Can Help With Financial Settlements

Our support can include:

Initial case assessment
Strategic advice on settlement options
Negotiation and correspondence
Court representation if required
Enforcement or variation of financial orders

Related services you may also find helpful:

Prenuptial agreements https://www.jcsolicitors.com/services/family-law/prenuptial-agreements/

Our Approach – Practical, Sensitive, and Solution-Focused

We understand that separation and divorce can be emotionally difficult.

Our approach is:

Practical and focused on outcomes
Clear and straightforward (so you understand your options)
Aimed at reducing unnecessary conflict
Focused on long-term financial wellbeing

Meet Our Family Law Team for Financial Matters

Tania Jeffery

Tania Jeffery is managing director of JC Solicitors After completing her law degree at Southampton University and Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in Guildford, Tania undertook her training contract with a regional firm based in Portsmouth, Hampshire.

You can contact Tania on 01243 850 860 or email tania@jcsolicitors.com

Paula Solieri

Paula Solier i is a Chartered Legal Executive and has specialised in family law for over 25 years. Paula is known for her client-focussed approach and capacity to simplify complex issues and provide support.

You can contact Paula on 01243554273 or email paula@jcsolicitors.com

Josie Buck

Josie Buck provides legal support for Tania and Paula and has worked for various law firms across Chichester and Worthing.

You can contact Josie on 01243850308 or email josie@jcsolicitors.com

Find Your Local Office for Financial Matters Advice

Portsmouth Office: Address: Gatcombe House, Copnor Road, Hilsea, Portsmouth, PO3 5EJ Phone: 02392 174 049

Chichester Office: Address: Chichester Marina, Birdham Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 7EJ: Phone: 01243 850 860

Alton Office: Address: The Place, 9-10 Mill Lane, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2QG: Phone: 01420 544 273

For general contact details, see: https://www.jcsolicitors.com/contact/

How much will legal assistance with my financial matters cost?

If you’re looking to discuss assistance in regards to your financial matters following a relationship breakdown, please do not hesitate to contact us. We offer a free initial consultation with no obligation. During this initial meeting, we will get to know you whilst familiarising ourselves with your case. From there, we are able to signpost, discuss the services we can provide for you and the steps involved and discuss fees so that you have a clear understanding of what your costs will likely be from the outset.

Please note our free initial appointment is a consultation service where we signpost our services for you. If advice is required, this will be chargeable at the rates discussed in your initial consultation.

Related Family Law Services

Prenuptial agreements: https://www.jcsolicitors.com/services/family-law/prenuptial-agreements/

Find Your Local Office for Prenuptial Agreement Advice

Our lawyers are based in three convenient locations across Hampshire and West Sussex, providing accessible legal advice to clients throughout the region.