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divorce, finances, and should I change solicitor?

5 replies

RedRosy · 03/03/2013 12:11

I was on the brink of signing a separation agreement, after 2 years of separation, when I read a clause I hadn't understood pertaining to assignation of life assurance. So, I sought the advice of an IFA, who scoffed when I told him we were dividing the equity in the house 50/50, not taking anything else into the equation. He reakoned that my ex would have a substantially higher pension than me, and it would be worth revisiting this aspect.

I spoke with my solicitor who took a fortnight to get back to me, writing a snooty email about how we had discussed it, and come to the conclusion that as my ex and I have the same job, our pensions would be similar. However, I haven't worked fulltime, and he has a much better income than I, as he is more senior.

I spoke informally to another solicitor, who felt that we should have a full financial disclosure, in order to make a fully informed decision. She also suggested that my existing solicitor may not want to represent me, due to loss of professional integrity.

I was married for 8 years, part time 6 of then due to bearing and raising 3 children, now aged 3,5, and 7. We left the marital home, set up in a new town, and I have a stable job.

During our marriage he saved a lot, whilst all my earnings went towards the house and monthly living expenses.

Initially I wanted to adopt a broad brush to the financial arrangement due to not wanting a fuss, but am in less of a hurry now.

Anyhow. I would appreciate your thoughts about whther I should go back to the drawing board, and if I should change my solicitor. Thank you for your advice!

OP posts:
RedHelenB · 03/03/2013 14:05

How much money are you arguing about? remember to count solicitor & court fees in your calculations.

RedRosy · 03/03/2013 16:45

Not sure how much. I'm paying my legal fees as I've been going along. I had about 70000 in savings when we split, I would estimate my ex would have at least 3 times this amount, and pension wise not sure, but he earned 3-4 times s much as me.

My solicitor seems a bit ticked off that I have backtracked, but a year ago I was in a rush due to wanting to get off the mortgage, but now my situation isn't as pressing now.

OP posts:
RedHelenB · 03/03/2013 16:54

For that amount of money I would definitely change to a solicitor that you feel happier with.

RockinD · 03/03/2013 17:07

So would I

crabbyoldbat · 04/03/2013 11:16

You say 'my ex would have had three times as much'. Actually, the marriage has £70,000 plus 3 x £70,000 (approximately £280k), plus house equity, plus your pension+his pension, plus any other assets such as cars. That's your starting point for a 50-50 split.

As the main carer for the children (which I assume you are) it's quite likely you would look at something like a 60-40 split, to take account of their needs.

Get a new solicitor.

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