🔒 “Divorced But Still at Risk?” — Why a Clean Break Order Could Save You from Future Financial Surprises
- Anthony Davis
- May 15
- 4 min read
Updated: May 16
How the case of X v Y [2025] shows the hidden danger of not sealing your financial deal—and how By Personal Touch can help
When your divorce papers come through, it’s tempting to think it’s all over.
But here’s the truth: if you haven’t legally sorted out your finances with a Clean Break Order, your ex could still make a financial claim against you—even years later.
We’ve seen this mistake cost people dearly, and a recent case in the High Court—X v Y [2025] EWHC 727 (Fam)—is a powerful reminder of why getting your clean break paperwork right is essential.
At By Personal Touch, we assist divorcing couples every day to achieve paperwork worthy of the Judge’s seal of approval. We help separating couples across England and Wales complete their financial paperwork efficiently, correctly, and affordably—whether through a DIY Consent Order Kit or a Supported Consent Order Service for a fixed fee for both parties.
Here’s what happened in this case—and how it could affect you.
🧾 The X v Y Case: What You Need to Know
In this recent High Court case, a wife (X) tried to challenge a financial settlement after learning her ex-husband (Y) had inherited a significant sum—over £1.1 million—from his father, shortly after their divorce judgment.
Originally, the court had awarded 62.5% of the sale of their former home to the husband, based on his lower income and greater need for housing. But after he inherited, the wife tried to reopen the financial deal—arguing that things had changed dramatically.
And here’s what the judge said: ❌ No
.Even though the husband’s circumstances had changed, the original deal stood. Why? Because the legal system values finality.
This ruling sends a strong message: once a judge has ruled and the order is in place, you usually can’t go back—even if someone wins the lottery or inherits a fortune.
🔍 Why This Matters to You: The Risk of Leaving Financial Ties Open
The X v Y case highlights an important principle: if you don’t secure a clean break, your financial link to your ex may remain open—even after your divorce is finalised.
We explain this every day to clients who come to us thinking that the final of their divorce, means they’re free.
It doesn’t.
Without a financial order—especially one that includes a clean break clause—your ex could come back years later and ask for:
A share of your inheritance
A lump sum from your property
Maintenance payments
Even a share of future business profits or pension
📌 Real Example: In the infamous case of Wyatt v Vince, a woman successfully brought a claim 19 years after her divorce—because no clean break order had ever been made.
Or
Even if your ex suddenly receives a large windfall—like winning the lottery or inheriting a fortune—courts are very reluctant to reopen financial orders once made. This principle comes from the landmark case Barder v Barder, which allows changes only in truly exceptional and unforeseen circumstances shortly after the order. Such events are rare, and the law values finality above all.
✅ What Is a Clean Break Order?
A Clean Break Order is a type of financial order that ends all financial claims between you and your ex—both now and in the future.
It confirms your divorce settlement in law and gives you both certainty that neither person can come back later asking for more.
Even if you don’t have significant assets now, it’s still worth having.
Why?
Future wealth (like bonuses, inheritance, or pensions) can still be claimed
Peace of mind knowing your ex can’t interfere with your finances
It costs far less than a future court dispute
👥 How By Personal Touch Helps
At By Personal Touch, we work with clients who want to avoid costly solicitors but still need expert support navigating the paperwork. We help both individuals and couples who are reaching agreement and want to do things right—without paying thousands.
Here’s how we can help:
🛠️ DIY Clean Break Kit
Perfect if you and your ex agree on finances and feel confident doing things yourselves.
Includes:
Template consent order and Form D81
Clear guidance notes
Example clauses tailored to your situation
Review service available if needed
💷 Affordable. Simple. Court-ready. – Click here to get started
🤝 Supported Consent Order for Both Parties
A fixed-fee service where we work with both of you to:
Draft your legally sound consent order
Ensure the clean break is properly worded
Help complete the Form D81 & Form A (P1 of needed)
Explain what the court looks for—so your application is more likely to be approved first time
💡 Fixed fee. No hourly charges. No court attendance needed. - Click here to get started
“I thought I’d just download something from Google, but thank goodness I found By Personal Touch. They saved us months of stress and thousands in solicitor fees.”— Verified Google Review
💡 Key Lessons from X v Y [2025]
📌 A judge’s decision is unlikely to be overturned—even if your ex suddenly inherits money
📌 You can’t just reopen a case because life changed. The courts value finality
📌 If you didn’t get a clean break, your ex may still have rights to your future wealth
📌 A properly drafted consent order protects both of you—and avoids nasty surprises
🗂️ Get Your Clean Break Done Right—First Time
You don’t need a solicitor. You need the right help, at the right time, from someone who understands both the paperwork and how family courts work.
We’ve helped hundreds of people just like you—couples who want a clean, fair split without dragging things through court. All our services are built around clarity, affordability, and support.
👨⚖️ Want to avoid what happened in X v Y?🔒 Want to be certain your ex can’t claim in future?
Let’s get your clean break in place.
📍 Visit us at: www.bypersonaltouch.com
📩 Or message us today to request your free guide or book your no-obligation 10 min chat at
✨ By Personal Touch: Divorce Support, Done Right
We’re not solicitors. We’re not a call centre. We’re real people who’ve walked this road and created a better way to get it done.
✔️ Trusted by over clients✔️ Transparent fixed fees✔️ 5-star rated service✔️ Assisting all of England & Wales✔️ Proud authors of The Litigant in Person’s Guide to Financial Proceedings
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