Divorce Financial Settlement Calculator

For longer marriages, the court's starting point is an equal (50/50) division of matrimonial assets — broadly, what was built up during the marriage. This is then adjusted to meet each party's needs, especially housing and the children's welfare, which is the court's first consideration.

Under section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act, the court considers:

• The welfare of any children (the top priority).
• Each party's income, earning capacity and financial needs.
• The standard of living during the marriage and its length.
• Each party's age, health and contributions (including homemaking).
• The value of assets, including pensions.

Equal sharing often gives way to needs. The parent housing the children may receive a larger share of the equity so they can keep a suitable home. In shorter, childless marriages the court may depart from equality, sometimes returning each party to roughly where they started. Pensions are frequently equalised through a pension sharing order.

A couple with £250,000 equity, £40,000 savings, £120,000 in pensions and £20,000 of other assets, less £15,000 debts, have a net pot of £415,000. Starting at 50/50 (£207,500 each), the court might shift more to the parent housing the children — perhaps 58/42 — so they can rehouse, while balancing the rest through pensions and savings.

• Ignoring pensions. They can be the largest asset; failing to address them can leave a spouse badly off in retirement.
• Hiding or guessing assets. Full financial disclosure is required; non-disclosure can unravel a settlement later.
• Settling without a consent order. An informal deal is not binding — get it sealed by the court.
• Assuming a fixed formula. There is no set percentage; outcomes turn on needs and fairness, so take advice.