Contested Finances Solicitors in West Yorkshire.

If you wish to speak to one of our specialist family law solicitors, do not hesitate to contact our team by calling one of our offices or by completing our online enquiry form.

Disputing a financial settlement? Get expert legal support to protect what matters most.

‍When a marriage ends, one of the most important issues to resolve is how to divide the finances. A financial settlement determines how assets such as the family home, savings, pensions, investments and debts are shared between separating spouses.

While the divorce itself legally ends the marriage, it does not automatically resolve financial matters, which means reaching a fair and legally binding financial settlement is essential to protect your long-term financial position.

At Holden Smith Law, our experienced divorce and family law solicitors provide clear, practical advice to help you secure a fair financial settlement following separation or divorce. Whether you are negotiating an agreement with your former partner or require representation in court, we will guide you through every stage of the divorce process with sensitivity and expertise. Our aim is to ensure that your financial future is protected and that any settlement reflects your needs, your contributions, and the welfare of any children involved.

Speak to one of our specialist divorce solicitors for a free 30-minute consultation by calling our offices or by completing our online enquiry form.

On what grounds can someone contest the finances?

Multiple factors can cause people to contest the finances in a separation. These can include:


1. Complex financial situations

If one party runs or manages a business or has various assets, then it can make it challenging for either party to determine what they are entitled to.

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2. An unfair or unequal contribution to finances in the relationship

Arguments or disagreements can arise when one party in the relationship has contributed more to the other's financial wellbeing.

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3. Distinct financial needs

One party may feel they may need more financial support to contribute to caring for the children if they are the primary caregiver.

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4. Apprehensions over fairness

If one party feels that the proposed finances are heavily weighted in their favour, they may query or contest that the existing finances are unfair. 


5. Differences in the priorities and expectations

Both parties will have expectations about what they should receive following the separation, and these may differ, leading to a conflict.

How Holden Smith Law can help you?

At Holden Smith, our team has over 30 years of combined experience guiding individuals through their divorce applications and negotiating contested finances. We provide clear, strategic legal services tailored to your situation, including:

  • Negotiating financial settlements

  • Representing you in court proceedings

  • Advising on high-value/complex assets

  • Pension and property division

  • Protecting business interests

  • Securing spousal maintenance

How do people resolve contested finances?

Face-to-face mediation and negotiation usually resolve contested finances. As your solicitors, we will work with you to understand your case and identify outcomes that benefit you and your family. We will plan potential routes to achieve the outcome you seek.

During the negotiation period, all parties will disclose their financial circumstances, including their assets. This is to ensure that both parties understand the assets available for division and can open dialogue.

After both parties have disclosed their finances, we will work with you and the other party to establish a settlement that is clear for everyone involved.

Although a straight 50/50 split may seem like the fairest option, this may not be the case for some. Differences in earnings, childcare maintenance costs, and health amongst other things can all play a role in determining the overall settlement.

Once a financial settlement has been reached, it will be drafted into a consent order, which is submitted to the family court for approval. Once the court has approved the orders, the settlement agreement will be legally binding and enforceable.

Get expert advice on your financial settlement.

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Why choose Holden Smith

Holden Smith’s expert family law solicitors have helped individuals and families for over 30 years. We guide clients through the emotional and legal complexities of family law.

With offices across West Yorkshire, our family lawyers can help you from locations including Leeds, Horsforth, Queensbury, and Huddersfield.

All potential clients will receive a confidential 30-minute free consultation with our team. We will provide you with independent legal advice. We will advise you on your case and outline the steps in your divorce and financial proceedings.

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Frequently Asked Questions.

Do financial settlements go to court?

We will always explore the more amicable options first. This can include direct discussions, mediation, and negotiations between solicitors.

Working with a solicitor can help you to reach an agreement on a financial settlement with a former partner or spouse. If the parties still cannot agree to a settlement, it may be necessary to file contested court proceedings.

What factors are considered as part of a settlement?

As part of a financial settlement, your solicitor will take into account all relevant factors including the following:

  • Housing needs

  • Current savings and investments

  • Child maintenance

  • Pensions

  • Outstanding debts and liabilities

  • Business interests

  • Borrowing capacities

  • Spousal maintenance

  • Domestic abuse

What is a financial consent order?

A financial consent order is a legally binding settlement that formalises an agreement between a separating or divorcing couple. The agreement will show how assets will be divided between the two. The consent order is used to ensure it is enforceable to try and ensure that neither party will breach it.

Do I have to disclose all my assets?

Yes. In England and Wales, when going through a divorce, you must legally disclose all assets you have. This includes all capital assets, pensions, income, and any debts you owe.

Failing to do so can lead to fines and even prison for contempt of court offences.

How long does a contested financial settlement take?

The time it takes to resolve a disputed financial settlement depends on multiple factors. This can include the complexities of the assets disputed and the relationship between the two parties. 

Typically, a dispute can take up to 12 months to be resolved; however, this may take longer.

What happens if my ex hides assets?

If you have credible evidence that your ex is hiding assets, then it is advisable to issue court proceedings so that the court make appropriate directions to order them to provide further disclosure. There is a wide range of options available to the court to try and resolve these kind of issues including making a costs order against a defaulting party, attaching a penal notice so that they can be held in contempt of court or the court can infer that other assets exist and give the other party a greater proportion of the disclosed assets.

Can I reopen a financial settlement?

You may be able to reopen a financial settlement after it has been made legally binding although it is very difficult to do so, the courts will only consider changes to a settlement in extreme circumstances. This includes a death of a spouse of child shortly after the settlement or some other unforeseen and fundamental change that would result in the settlement being unfair.

What is Form E in divorce proceedings?

A Form E is a financial disclosure document that we use in financial proceedings. Each party completes this (known as full and frank financial disclosure), and it provides a full account of income, their savings, pensions, assets, debts and financial needs. Once they are completed, they are exchanged (sent to the other party at the same time) so that they can be considered by the other party and their solicitor/the court.

It gives the court/solicitors the full pictures of each party’s financial situation to assist with negotiating a financial settlement. If a settlement can’t be reached, then the court will consider the Form E if financial proceedings are initiated. 

A lawyer does not need to complete the form; however, it is recommended that you get advice from an expert law firm, such as Holden Smith, to review it before submission. 

Start your journey.

Contact Holden Smith Law today.

Financial disputes can quickly become complex and stressful. Getting early legal advice can significantly improve your outcome and help you avoid costly mistakes.

If you have any questions about contested finances or would like to begin the process of legally separating from your partner, our team at Holden Smith is ready to guide you. To speak to one of our specialist family law solicitors, contact our team by calling one of our offices or completing our online enquiry form.‍ ‍