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

WSP Solicitors—David Ashcroft & Jessica O’Shea

WSP Solicitors—David Ashcroft & Jessica O’Shea

Commercial property and child law teams expand with senior hires

Duxton Hill Chambers—Lucas Bastin KC & Joshua Hiew

Duxton Hill Chambers—Lucas Bastin KC & Joshua Hiew

Set expands London and Singapore offering with senior international disputes hires

Gilson Gray—Gregor Duthie & Stephen Forsyth

Gilson Gray—Gregor Duthie & Stephen Forsyth

Firm strengthens real estate and litigation teams with partner promotions

NEWS
Uber has built a formidable strategy for insulating itself from liability for drivers’ conduct, but the legal terrain differs sharply between the US and England and Wales
The Civil Justice Council’s review of Part III of the Solicitors Act 1974 could mark the end of what one commentator calls an ‘outdated’ and overly technical regime governing solicitor-client fee disputes
The House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Act 2026 marks a constitutional watershed by severing the centuries-old link between hereditary titles and automatic membership of the upper chamber
Artificial intelligence, proportionality and public decision-making are under increasing judicial scrutiny, according to the latest public law round-up from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Families relying on informal agreements over property ownership could face costly consequences if disputes arise, the High Court has warned
back-to-top-scroll