divorce and finances

wah3344

Hi everyone,Received a letter from my ex's solicitors asking whether I would agree to provide details of my financial circumstances so that ex can consider any financial claim before the decree absolute goes through.Questions:1) can/should ex's solicitor ask for this info?2) Should I provide it (if they can ask for this info)?3) Is there a standard form etc. for such a declaration? - I have seen the court version, is this the same?4) Does financial agreement need to be reached beofre decree absolute?Married for less than 2 years, child (now 4 years) with ex, I have no savings but am working, pay child maintenance via CSA.Any idea what I might be asked to pay??NO house in my name! - phewThanks

weenie

Try this site, its brilliant for anyone going through a divorce etc
www.wikivorce.com.

borderlakland

finances don't have to be sorted before absolute goes threw my divorce was finalised in may 2005 and the final bits have only just been rubber stamped by the court

mookiandco

Any good solicitor will not apply for decree absolute until finances are sorted.

Your wife's solicitors can ask for this information and it is standard practice to do so. It is called voluntary disclousre. The form you need is called a form E.
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/HMCSCourtFinder/GetForm.do?court_forms_id=1125

These are the notes to go with it:
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/HMCSCourtFinder/GetLeaflet.do?court_leaflets_id=973

If you refuse to fill it in, then your wife can apply for ancillary relief and seek that you are responsible for her legal costs as you wouldnt do things voluntarily.

It is best to try to reach agreement about finances. Obviously you should get legal advice.

If agreement is reached then a consent order will be filed with the court. Its far less costly and time consuming for everyone to do it this way.

If you have nothing to hide then you should really complete the form.As you have any assets and based on such a short marriage (unless you earn alot), it is likely you are looking at a clean break order, where you both agree not to make further claims against the other in future. It will be in your interests to get a clean break order as well as your wifes.