Two household budgets
Work out income, essential bills, housing costs and childcare arrangements for each household. Include one-off moving and legal expenses.
A dedicated project for people navigating change
Separation & Divorce
Clear, sensitive guidance on the financial practicalities of separation, divorce or the end of a relationship. The aim is to help you organise information, understand decisions and know when specialist support is needed.
Contact us →Browse guides
Understand the immediate picture
Protect access to essentials
Identify joint accounts, direct debits, shared debts and upcoming priority bills. Do not make changes that could cause harm or breach legal obligations.
Gather documents
Collect recent bank statements, mortgage details, debts, pension statements, insurance policies and relevant benefit information.
Important financial decisions
Home and mortgage
Consider affordability, ongoing mortgage responsibilities and the costs of keeping, selling or moving from the family home.
Pensions and long-term assets
Pensions may be significant assets in divorce proceedings. Obtain appropriate legal and regulated financial advice before making decisions.
Children and support
Understand potential child maintenance arrangements and childcare costs. Check current official guidance and support services.
Rebuild and look ahead
Revisit protection
Review beneficiaries, wills, insurance and emergency savings as circumstances change. Legal effects of separation and divorce vary.
Benefits and tax
Changes in household composition may affect benefits, tax credits or other entitlements. Use current official calculators and guidance.
Get the right help
A family solicitor, mediator, debt adviser or regulated financial planner may be useful depending on the circumstances.
Your practical first steps
- Create a realistic budget for the next three months.
- List joint financial commitments and due dates.
- Keep copies of relevant financial documents in a secure place.
- Check legal advice before changing ownership, beneficiaries or major assets.
- If you feel unsafe or financially controlled, seek confidential specialist support.
UK information: Rules and eligibility can change. This content is educational and is not personal financial, tax or legal advice.
Resources for this pathway
Useful guides and checklists
Separation and divorce: money checklist
Practical steps, questions and a checklist.
Read guide →Trusted UK financial and care support
Practical steps, questions and a checklist.
Read guide →Learn more
More practical guides and resources
Joint accounts during separation
Read guide →Housing choices after separation
Read guide →Pensions and divorce: questions to ask
Read guide →Child maintenance and household budgets
Read guide →Financial documents for a fresh start
Read guide →Learn financial planning for your situation
Free educational lessons with practical exercises, explanations of risks and signposts for professional support.
Building two post-separation budgets
Learn how to make a realistic budget for two homes while arrangements are changing.
Read lesson →Financial disclosure: organising your records
Understand the documents that help you explain your financial position accurately.
Read lesson →Pensions, property and debt after separation
Understand why assets and liabilities require careful review.
Read lesson →