When people separate whether they want a divorce or not they will need to make arrangements regarding their finances. Here at Andrews Angel Solicitors we can assist you in negotiating a settlement and if not represent you at Court if this becomes necessary. We follow the RESOLUTION code of conduct which encourages constructive negotiation avoiding animosity and increased costs. If the parties cannot reach agreement regarding financial matters it will result in an application to the court for the court to decide. It is always better to reach agreement through negotiated settlement between the parties to avoid acrimony and rising costs. Both parties must give full financial disclosure of their assets as such you will need to provide documents such as bank statements, pension details, endowment details, investment details, P60s and savings details. The Court can order maintenance payments, lump sum payments and decide the division of property. Child maintenance is dealt with through the Child Support Agency. When deciding financial matters the Court can take Pensions into account and as such you will need to get a Cash Equivalent Transfer Value of your Pension from your Pension provider so that you can be advised appropriately. Pensions can be incorporated into your settlement by offsetting this means a one off payment is made to the party to the value of the pension, a sharing order this means that a separate pension right is created and attachment order which means one party pays a lump sum or maintenance sum out of the pension scheme. The parties can also be ordered to nominate who shall receive death in service benefits. If agreement has been reached between the parties and a consent order drafted the pension fund provider will have to confirm agreement of the consent order before the court will grant it. Page 2