Arranging financial support after you separate

Summary

You’ll need to apply to court for a financial order. This asks a judge to decide how much maintenance you should get. You can apply for a financial remedy order without the help of a solicitor, but some of the forms are quite complicated. You’ll also need to find lots of evidence like bank statements and payslips. It’s best to talk to a solicitor, just to make sure you’ve got everything you need for the court hearing. You can search for a solicitor on the Law Society website, or look on the Resolution website. You’ll normally need to show that you’ve tried mediation before you apply to court. There are exceptions that mean you don’t have to try mediation first - for example, if you’ve experienced domestic abuse. Check how mediation works. You can apply for a financial order at any time after you’ve filed an application to end your marriage or civil partnership. It’s best to apply before you receive your decree absolute or final order. The longer you wait to apply after separating, the less the judge might award you. If you have a voluntary arrangement and you’re struggling with the maintenance you get from your ex-partner, you could try talking to them and explaining why you need.

Key information

• •your ex-partner has received some money, for example an inheritance
• •your ex-partner has moved in with a new partner and their household income has increased
• •You’ll need to apply to court for a financial order. This asks a judge to decide how much maintenance you should get.
• •You can apply for a financial remedy order without the help of a solicitor, but some of the forms are quite complicated. You’ll also need to find lots of evidence like bank statements and payslips.
• •It’s best to talk to a solicitor, just to make sure you’ve got everything you need for the court hearing.
• •You can search for a solicitor on the Law Society website, or look on the Resolution website.
• •You’ll normally need to show that you’ve tried mediation before you apply to court. There are exceptions that mean you don’t have to try mediation first - for example, if you’ve experienced domestic abuse. Check how mediation works.
• •You can apply for a financial order at any time after you’ve filed an application to end your marriage or civil partnership.
• •It’s best to apply before you receive your decree absolute or final order. The longer you wait to apply after separating, the less the judge might award you.
• •If you have a voluntary arrangement and you’re struggling with the maintenance you get from your ex-partner, you could try talking to them and explaining why you need more money.
• •If your partner can’t afford to pay any more, it's worth checking if you're eligible for any benefits or help with your council tax.
• •Contact your nearest Citizens Advice if you’ve got little or no money spare at the end of each month after separating - an adviser can help maximise your income.

Practical guidance

• •Source: [Arranging financial support after you separate](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/sorting-out-money/financial-support-when-you-separate/)

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