Parents Divorcing, advice welcome

UnderTheSky

My mum and dad have been separated for around 20 years, out of nowhere he has announced that he is filing for divorce. My mum seems quite blase about it all and doesn't see the need for a solicitor, should I try to convince her that she does need one, or is she right? Are there any traps regarding the division of assets that she could fall into?

She bought her house before she got married and he has never paid a penny towards the mortgage, indeed he has never paid a penny towards anything. Could a judge really award him part of the house?

TBagpuss

Well, it depends a little on whether he is seeking a share of the house. While people generally do deal with financial claims at the time they divorce, it is perfectly possible to get divorced and not have any kind of financial order.

If he is making a financial claim, then a court would look at the whole situation, including the length of time they have been separated for and what (if any) financial links they have had during that period.

It would be sensible for her to see a solicitor once she knows what, if anything, he is looking for financially.

He might be entitled to a lump sum from the house. It would depend on the over all picture including both their financial positions.