Financial Remedy Order and Proceedings Explained (UK)

What You Need To Know

When a separated couple cannot agree on the division of their finances, they can apply to the family court for a Financial Remedy Order.

This type of court order is often referred to as a financial consent order or simply, a financial order. They are essentially the same thing, just different words.

The court’s primary objective is to ensure the financial well-being of both parties and their children, if any. In determining the order, the court will consider factors such as the length of the marriage, each party’s income, and their future earning capacity.

This process may involve negotiations, and the court may take into account the contributions each spouse has made to the marriage, either financially or otherwise.

It is important to note that the outcome of a Financial Remedy Order can vary greatly, depending on individual circumstances.

The court has a range of powers to divide assets and make orders for maintenance payments. For example, the court can order the sale or transfer of a matrimonial home or may require one party to pay the other party a lump sum amount.

In some cases, the court may also make an order for one party to pay the other party’s legal fees.

Couples facing financial disputes during a divorce or separation should consider seeking legal advice to understand their options and navigate the Financial Remedy Order process.

Where do you apply for a Financial Remedy Order?

The application for a financial remedy order is made through the Family Court or the specialist Financial Remedies Court, which oversees cases related to financial issues arising from marital or civil partnership breakdowns.

In order to apply, one must complete the required form and submit it to the appropriate court, along with any relevant supporting documentation detailing their financial circumstances.

The court then considers factors such as the duration of the relationship, the standard of living, and the needs of any children involved.

Throughout the process, both parties are encouraged to negotiate and reach a voluntary agreement, with the assistance of their legal representatives and mediators when required.

If a divorce financial agreement cannot be reached, the court will make a decision on the division of assets, child maintenance, and other financial matters, taking into account the best interests of all involved parties.

The resulting financial remedy order becomes legally binding, requiring compliance from both parties and ensuring a fair resolution to their financial disputes.

Read More: Clean Break Order vs Consent Order – How Are They Different?

The Process of Applying for a Financial Remedy Order

1. Filing an Application

To start the process of applying for a financial remedy order in the UK, you need to complete Form A and submit it to the court.

The form must be accompanied by the appropriate fee, which can be waived for low-income applicants who submit a completed fee remission application form.

Once the form is submitted, the court will provide you with a notice of proceedings and a timetable for the next steps.

2. First Directions Appointment

The First Directions Appointment (FDA) is the initial court hearing in which a judge will review the case and give directions for its progression.

Both parties are required to file and exchange financial disclosure forms called Form E before the FDA.

During this appointment, the judge may make decisions on preliminary matters, identify contentious issues, and set a schedule for filing further evidence and forms.

3. Financial Dispute Resolution Appointment

The Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) appointment is usually the second court hearing, in which the judge aims to assist the parties in reaching an agreement on the financial remedy.

Prior to this appointment, both parties should submit their proposals for settlement to the court. The judge will then provide an indication of how they believe a final hearing may conclude if the case were to proceed.

This guidance is not binding but is intended to help parties settle the matter without the need for a final hearing.

4. Final Hearing

If the parties are unable to reach an agreement during the FDR appointment, the case will proceed to a final hearing.

At this stage, both parties present their evidence, often with the assistance of legal representatives, and the judge will make a final decision on the financial remedy order.

Once the order is made, it is legally binding, and both parties must adhere to its terms. In some cases, the judge may also make orders for costs, which may require one party to contribute towards the other’s legal fees.

Important Factors Considered in Financial Remedy Orders

In the UK, when determining financial remedy orders, courts take several factors into account.

This helps ensure that a fair and appropriate outcome can be reached in relation to financial matters, property, and pensions after the dissolution of marriage or civil partnership.

Financial Circumstances

The court will evaluate the current and future financial circumstances of both parties.

This includes considering factors such as income, earning capacity, property, and other financial resources. Any significant disparities in assets or income levels will be considered, and the court may aim to achieve a fair distribution of assets.

Needs and Responsibilities

Both parties’ needs and responsibilities will be assessed. This includes childcare responsibilities, housing needs, and other essential living expenses.

The courts will take into account the needs of any children of the family, prioritising their welfare and ensuring they are adequately provided for following the separation.

Standard of Living

The courts will consider the standard of living enjoyed by the couple during their marriage or civil partnership, as this can help gauge the financial expectations of each party.

The goal is to help both parties maintain a reasonable and fair standard of living following the separation, with consideration given to the length of the relationship and any adjustments required by either party.

Age and Duration of Marriage

The age of the parties and the duration of the marriage or civil partnership will also be taken into account.

Generally, longer marriages may result in more significant financial remedy orders, as there has been a longer period of shared assets and contributions.

Additionally, the age of each party can influence considerations related to earning capacity and retirement provisions.

Physical and Mental Disabilities

Any physical or mental disabilities of either party will be considered in a financial remedy order.

A disability may affect an individual’s earning capacity, their ability to support themselves, or the level of their needs. If a disability is present, it may result in an adjustment to the financial remedy order to ensure that the party with the disability is not left at a financial disadvantage.

Overall, each financial remedy order case will be unique, and the courts will give due consideration to a range of factors that best align with the individual circumstances of both parties.

This process aims to provide a fair outcome for both parties while ensuring the well-being of any children involved.

Varying or Discharging a Financial Remedy Order

In certain situations, individuals may find it necessary to vary or discharge a financial remedy order in the UK. This can occur when there have been significant changes in circumstances or when the original order is no longer considered fair or appropriate.

When seeking to vary or discharge a financial remedy order, it is important to be aware of the types of orders that can be amended. According to the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, several orders can be subject to variation, including maintenance payments, lump sum payments, and property adjustment orders.

However, not all financial orders are capable of variation, and it is crucial to consult with a legal expert to determine whether an order qualifies.

In order to vary or discharge a financial remedy order, an application must be made to the court. This typically involves completing a detailed application form, providing documentation to support the change in circumstances, and presenting evidence to justify the requested variation or discharge.

The court will then consider factors such as the financial needs of both parties, contributions made by each party, and the welfare of any children involved. Be aware that satisfying the court’s criteria for a variation or discharge can be challenging, so it is advisable to seek professional guidance.

Furthermore, it is important to understand that varying or discharging a financial remedy order can have significant consequences for both parties involved.

The potential advantages of obtaining a variation or discharge include achieving a more equitable distribution of assets, reducing or eliminating maintenance payments, and securing better financial stability.

On the other hand, the disadvantages may include increased legal expenses, potential conflict between the parties, and the risk of the court not granting the desired outcome.

Consequences of Non-Compliance with Financial Remedy Orders

When someone breaches a financial remedy order, they may face serious consequences. Non-payment of maintenance, for instance, can amount to contempt of court, regardless of their ability to pay.

The court will consider the offender’s ability to pay only when deciding on the appropriate course of action to address the contempt.

One possible consequence of non-compliance is that the court may require the employer of the non-compliant party to make payments directly from their earned income.

This ensures that the money reaches the intended recipient before the party in breach has the opportunity not to pay.

This method is particularly effective in cases involving regular payment orders, such as maintenance or child support.

Another potential outcome is fining the individual who violated the order or ordering the confiscation of their assets.

If a party continues to ignore or violate the court order, they are at risk of facing increasingly severe penalties.

It is important to understand that the consequences of non-compliance can be both physical, such as being held in contempt and facing prison time and financial, such as the award of legal costs against the breaching party.