header-logo header-logo

18 July 2025 / James Maguire
Issue: 8125 / Categories: Opinion , Legal aid focus , Divorce , Family , ADR , Mediation
printer mail-detail

Financial disputes on the rise

225849
Economic uncertainty, court delays, dwindling legal aid & rising costs are all aiding the recent rise in the number of financial disputes in divorce cases, writes James Maguire

According to figures from the Ministry of Justice, the number of financial remedy orders being contested in the family courts has reached the highest level in 15 years as separating spouses battle for the best outcomes in volatile financial times.

While these figures could be skewed by the number of people who waited for the no-fault divorce legislation which came into force in April 2022, there is an evident rise in financial cases being contested, and we’ve seen more clients investing their time and money to achieve a fair settlement. However, we see an equal number who cut too many corners to save time and costs, risking something which might end up being very unfair in the future or not sufficient to meet their financial needs. Like most things in life, there is a balance.

Economic uncertainty

Throughout

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles

Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles

Bell Yard Kysen appoints senior legal PR and ex-government communications adviser, Liz Giles

Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards

Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards

Clarke Willmott boosts Southampton commercial property team with addition of partner Lee Edwards

Lime Solicitors—four promotions

Lime Solicitors—four promotions

Lime Solicitors announces four promotions

NEWS
The Attorney General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, and Solicitor General, Andy Slaughter KC MP, marked the 25th anniversary of Pro Bono Week by joining lawyers, charities, students and parliamentarians at events celebrating voluntary legal work
Witness evidence can be compromised by AI before a solicitor sees the draft, leaving safeguards focused on authorship incomplete
Possession claims are entering a new digital era, with procedural traps awaiting practitioners who assume familiar rules still govern every step
A polished legal defence may owe more to artificial intelligence than legal merit—and creditors risk paying the price in delay and expense
An indemnity costs battle with a £20m gap could reopen an important question: what weight should an approved budget carry?
back-to-top-scroll