Exchanged bank statements

[Nonagainst]

Hi all,

Any advice would be appreciated. I do have a solicitor but I’m a single mum and don’t want to spend £300 on asking her (need to save her for when I’m stuck!)

I’ve exchanged bank statements with my ex and I’m unsure what I should be looking for in the finances?

He's a high earner.

So far I’ve found another bank account that he hasn’t disclosed, so I need to question that (queue the massive argument from him)

He also pays people a wage (that’s what he says) can I question that?

He’s also giving a lot of money to his new girlfriend (even paying for her boiler to be fixed but he doesn’t live with her) does that matter that he’s spending family money elsewhere (he’s giving her £3000 in two months, could he be stashing it even if he denies it?)

What else should I be looking for? We have one child together and he wants me to sell the house 50/50.

If I’m honest looking through the bank statements cause me so much dread so I’d love to hone in what I should care about. He’s spending unbelievably excessively too and I don’t think any court will care about that right? Even though it kills me inside.

Thanks in advance

You need to understand

both parties assets - houses, pensions, savings, anything else
debts- mortgage , loans etc

earnings of both parties and earning capacity ( eg if part time now what will fill ti e be, if not working what will a full time role provide)

your split will depend on the above along with considerations on
how long you’ve been married
how old any children are
what child arrangements will be
Needs of both parties ( reasonable) and can these be met

i wouldn’t spend too long focussing on bank statements personally / it’s the big picture items above you need to think about

If he's a high earner so the accet pot is sizeable, I wouldn't hold back when you need solicitors help. You need them to get the best deal in the long run ( and perhaps a forensic accountant by the look of it).

I would ask your solicitors advice, frankly. Especially if he is hiding assets. Have you exchanged a years bank statements?

I would want to see credit card bills, payslips, information about bonuses/commission if theses are not on payslips, tax return, full disclosure of all savings, ISAs, shares, pensions. Also, if he is self employed, company accounts.

You should request that you both complete Form E

I know you don't want to but the money is a major part of the divorce so I would speak to the solicitor