In this guide, you’ll learn the key considerations, work through a practical example and find useful next steps. Take your time and use the free worksheets to put ideas into practice.
What you’ll take away
- Protect access to your own records
- Check immediate living costs
- Understand joint financial responsibilities
Protect access to your own records
Make a secure list of income, joint accounts, mortgages, rent, pensions, insurance, loans and regular bills. Do not access accounts you are not authorised to use.
Check immediate living costs
Work out housing, utilities, food, transport and children’s costs for each household.
Understand joint financial responsibilities
A separation does not automatically end a joint loan or mortgage obligation. Contact lenders to understand available arrangements.
Consider pensions and property
Pensions can be significant assets in divorce. Obtain regulated legal advice before agreeing a settlement.
Prioritise safety and independent help
If financial control or abuse is involved, seek confidential specialist support and consider using a safe device.
Keep this checklist handy
- Income and expenditure information
- Mortgage, tenancy and property documents
- Bank, credit and pension statements
- Relevant child maintenance information
Putting your learning into practice
Use the guidance above to identify the information you need and the questions to investigate. Consider:
- Protect access to your own records.
- Check immediate living costs.
- Understand joint financial responsibilities.
- Consider pensions and property.
This is general financial education, not a personal recommendation, an assessment of suitability or an invitation to buy or arrange a financial product. Check current official information and obtain appropriate professional advice for individual circumstances.
Keep learning
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