Post-divorce - cut-off for financial stuff?

[Lauren850]

Would be great if anyone can advise me - can my ex come after me for money if we've been divorced 8 yrs? Specifically he is saying he wants half of my pension. He's already had half our house despite not needing a place for kids to visit (he pretty much cut them off). I'm really worried as my pension isn't great, half of it would be unliveable

Did you sort out your finances at the time with a final order?

Did you get a court appo financial consent order when you divorced? If you did he cant overturn or change it, as far as im aware. If you didn't get a consent order then he can seek one now- I've no idea what a court would take into consideration on finances after 8 years though - youd need to talk to a solicitor

Sadly I did it all informally. Regretting this now, just didnt think he'd go this low after barely paying any maintenance. What an arse

I'm afraid there is no time limit. If there is no court order regarding finances, he can make a claim at any time provided he has not remarried. If he was the petitioner in the divorce and indicated in the petition that he intended to pursue financial claims, he can make a claim against you even if he has remarried. That does not mean he will get half your pension. He may not get anything but he can try.

Thanks that's really helpful to know even though bad news! I will see a solicitor

It would work both ways though. You'd be entitled to a share of anything he's accrued in the & years, but I suspect it's not very much if he's prepared to come after you now.

Anything youve got in writing about the agreement you made at the time might help your case?

So the kids live with you? What has he paid in CM? How often does he see them?

You need a good solicitor. If the kids live with you, though, and he pays little or no CM, I'd be amazed if he was entitled to anything.

Morally? He's entitled to nothing. Cheeky lazy bastard!

Good luck.

They do iive with me, he sees them every couple of months just for a few hours. They never stay over. He paid £350 a month total despite earning £70k plus and cut them both off as soon as they were adults ie 18. I said it will ages till they can properly support themselves, he said I should have thought if that when I destroyed our family ie divorced him for being a selfish arse.
I was thinking we'll manage and it's easier now the kids have little regard for him. But this pension thing has really upset me, it's like a threat hanging over me and I'm back to feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities. Both my daughters have had severe - life-threatening- mental health issues so it's a lot
Sorry for the long post and thanks for the advice

If the kids are both adults now, just block him. Don't engage with him. Let him spend his money on solicitors before you start worrying.

But you could claim half his pension and assets he now has including new home and savings...

I bet a forensic accountant could find where he's hidden his money!

As PRH says, he can make a claim but so can you. If he is the higher earner then he may regret opening that can of worms.

In any event, you really need to sort it out as otherwise either of you could make a claim anytime, especially if you receive an inheritance. Do you really want that?