Can my ex claim half of savings built up before house purchase?

[ThisCoralExpert]

Morning all. We are about to start our mediation (well I am, he’s ignoring everything) and I wanted to find out how people have managed to save money during this time as the equity I will get won’t be enough for a 3 bed for me and teen boys and girls.

Even if I start saving a bit more now, he can still say he wants 50% of whatever I’m saving now for the house?

My friend lost half of her savings even though she had been saving for the divorce and he had been spending on trips to New York with his new girlfriend. I’d seek legal advice on this one. Good luck

The court looks at all assets at the point of settlement, not just what existed what you decided to separate so yes this can include savings since separation, bonuses etc

Well in theory up until the consent order is sealed all money held together or individually is in the pot.

doesnt mean he’d be awarded it. Or that it would be 50% however

Thank you all. Not an easy process indeed and I was worried about any savings I do now for the new house - seems I could potentially loose some of that ):

My ExH delayed the divorce as much as he could. I got a legal separation while I waited for the 3 years to pass when I could get the divorce pushed through without his signature.

The date of legal separation was the date where all assets were considered to. This was Scotland.

My friend divorced an absolute blood sucking money grabbing abusive husband. She used to get cash back with her shopping. Every single time. And I saved it for her. Meant she put aside a couple of thousand pounds which paid for the solicitor and had enough to get on her feet again after the divorce finally went through as he dragged it out for a couple of years.

And yes I know people will say it's wrong, but he was the vilest person I know and she was at rock bottom. It helped her hugely.

Where are you? Simplifying...
In Scotland, it is from date of separation. In England and Wales, it is from date of settlement agreement.

Get legal advice based on your personal circumstances and legislature.

If it settles early then this won’t be an issue. If it doesn’t unless you are talking huge savings then it will be eaten up by legal costs. The court can deduct the cost of selling the family home eg estate agent, conveyancing and any early mortgage repayment so that may offset some savings.

Our DD took cash back every time she went shopping. This was then put in our safe in a locked box which only she had the key too. Her ex would have taken the shirt of her back to sell for drugs so none of us felt guilty.