Understanding property and financial orders is paramount in divorce proceedings, ensuring a fair distribution of wealth and assets and providing a robust foundation for post-divorce life. Financial orders significantly affect both parties’ financial security and stability, especially when shared property, pensions, income, or other assets are under consideration.  

However, many individuals navigating divorce complexities overlook the significance of these orders and fail to comprehend their intricacies, which are not just bureaucratic formalities but vital tools to safeguard each party’s rights. This guide aims to shed light on the critical role of these orders in the divorce process. 

Types Of Property And Financial Orders 

Property and financial orders come in different forms, which are designed to address a range of issues. The main types of property and financial orders in a divorce are the following: 

• Maintenance Order 

This order involves regular payments made by one party to the other, typically to support children or the spouse. Spousal maintenance is often temporary, while child maintenance lasts until the child is an adult. 

• Lump Sum Order 

This is a one-off payment from one party to the other. It can be in addition to or instead of maintenance payments. 

• Property Adjustment Order 

This type of order alters the ownership or possession of the property. The court may transfer the ownership of the family home or other property from one spouse to the other or order the sale of a property and determine how the proceeds will be divided. 

• Pension Sharing Order 

This order provides for a division of one party’s pension benefits so that each party has a separate pension scheme after the order is made. 

• Occupation Order 

This order determines which spouse has the right to live in the family home, regardless of who owns it. It’s worth noting that there is information about occupation order on reputable sites that you can visit. 

Each type of order is used to address a specific issue, and multiple orders can be made in the same proceedings. It’s essential to seek legal advice to understand which types of orders may be relevant in a particular situation. 

Application Procedure 

One must first file an application with the court to obtain a property or financial order. After the filing, the court sets a date for the first hearing, and both parties must provide complete and frank disclosure of their financial circumstances. This includes providing details of income, property, assets, and any other financial resources. 

After this, the court will typically arrange a Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) hearing, a negotiation session where the court will suggest a fair division of assets. If no agreement is reached at the FDR, the matter will proceed to a final hearing, where the court will impose a binding order. 

Key Factors Considered By Courts 

When issuing a financial order, the courts consider a set of critical factors. This includes the welfare of any children involved, the income and earning capacity of each party, the current and future financial needs and obligations of each party, the standard of living enjoyed by the family before the breakdown of the marriage, and the age of each party and the duration of the marriage. 

Furthermore, the courts also consider the contribution each party has made or is likely to make in the foreseeable future to the welfare of the family, including any contribution by looking after the home or caring for the family and the conduct of each party. 

Variations And Enforcement Of Financial Orders 

After the final hearing, financial orders are usually definitive and binding. However, they can be varied or discharged by the court if circumstances change significantly. These include the following: 

1. Change In Income: Significant changes in either party’s income, such as a job loss, substantial pay cut, or considerable increase, could lead to a court revision of the existing financial order. 
2. New Marriage: A remarriage by either party can influence the financial order, with the new spouse’s income and assets potentially leading to a reassessment of the existing financial responsibilities and maintenance orders. 
3. Birth Of A Child: The birth of a child could prompt the court to vary a financial order, given the additional costs associated with raising a child, possibly affecting maintenance payments and asset division. 

In the case of non-compliance with the order, enforcement proceedings can be initiated, such as the following: 

1. Attachment Of Earnings Order: This order directs an employer to deduct a specified amount from the debtor’s salary to ensure regular payment of the financial order. 
2. Charging Order: This enforcement method places a legal charge on the debtor’s property, with the owed amount paid from the property’s sale proceeds. 
3. Third-Party Debt Order: This order freezes a debtor’s bank account or money owed by a third party to ensure fulfillment of the financial order. 
4. Committal To Prison: In extreme cases, the court may commit the debtor to prison as a last resort to enforce compliance with the financial order. 

Conclusion 

Understanding property and financial orders in the context of divorce is paramount for securing one’s financial future. From understanding the variety of orders, the application procedure, and the key factors considered by courts to the possible variation and enforcement of these orders, each aspect plays a critical role in shaping the financial outcome of a divorce. It is recommended that parties seek expert legal and financial advice to navigate these complex issues effectively and safeguard their financial interests.