🚫 Why 60% of Divorcing Couples Leave Themselves Financially Exposed — and How You Can Protect Yourself

Divorce is difficult enough without future surprises. But startling new research published in Family Law Journal(November 2024) highlights a growing issue:

Only 40% of divorcing couples in England and Wales secure a Financial Order.Of the 100,000 people who divorce each year, around 60,000 finalise the marriage but leave their financial affairs wide open.

This means the majority of couples are leaving the door open for future financial claims, even long after divorce, often without realising it.

💬 “We’ve agreed everything — do we still need a Financial Order?”

Yes. Even if you’ve reached a verbal or informal agreement, it’s not legally binding unless it’s set out in a Consent Order and approved by the court.

Many people mistakenly assume that receiving their Final Order (formerly known as the Decree Absolute) puts an end to all financial ties. In fact, unless a Financial Order is in place, either party can still make a claim for:

• Property (including the family home or a new property you've purchased)

• Pensions (even contributions made after separation)

• Savings or investments

• Business interests

• Inheritance in some cases

  
  

It doesn’t matter how long ago you divorced — until your finances are legally settled, your ex may be entitled to claim.

📌 Why You Need a Consent Order — Even After the Divorce Is Final

Let’s say you've built a new life, paid off your mortgage, grown your pension, or built a savings pot for retirement. Years later, your ex contacts you and makes a financial claim. At that point, you’ll be required to:

• Disclose 12 months of bank statements and evidence of all assets

• Share full details of your financial position, no matter how personal

• Potentially give away a share of assets acquired after the marriage ended

  
  

Even if you argue those assets were built post-divorce, the court can still redistribute wealth to meet the other party’s needs.

This risk is especially relevant for couples aged 45 and older — a group that makes up more than 60% of all divorces. With pensions and property values at stake, failing to secure a clean financial break can lead to costly, time-consuming disputes later.

🔐 The Simple, Stress-Free Way to Protect Your Finances — with By Personal Touch

At By Personal Touch, we help separating and divorced couples secure a clean financial break — without the stress and sky-high legal fees.

We specialise in drafting and submitting Consent Orders for a fixed fee, saving you thousands in solicitor costs and giving you full peace of mind.

Our Select & Submit Consent Order Service includes:

✅ Professionally drafted legal documents

✅ Clear guidance at every step — no legal jargon

✅ Submission to court on your behalf

✅ Clean break clauses included where appropriate

✅ Support for pensions, property, lump sums, spousal maintenance, and more

Whether you've reached an agreement recently or divorced years ago — it’s not too late to take control and protect your future.

📝 What Exactly Does a Consent Order Do?

A Consent Order:

1. Records the financial agreement you've reached with your ex-spouse

2. Dismisses future financial claims, protecting your future income, property, and pension

3. Creates legal certainty, making it easier to plan ahead and move forward with confidence

   
   

Once sealed by the court, the agreement becomes legally binding — meaning your ex cannot return later demanding more.

🔗 Take Action Now — Before It’s Too Late

Divorcing without a Financial Order might seem like a shortcut now, but it can lead to expensive detours in the future. Avoid the uncertainty, the legal bills, and the risk of unexpected claims.

Let us help you put the final piece of the puzzle in place.

👉 Click here to Select & Submit Your Consent Order

Or visit www.bypersonaltouch.com to learn more.

💬 Still Unsure?

We get it — legal paperwork can feel daunting. But that’s exactly why we exist. By Personal Touch offers the personal, affordable, and expert support you need to formalise your financial agreement — and move forward with confidence.

Whether you're newly separated or years post-divorce, it’s never too late to protect yourself.

By Personal Touch

Helping you complete the legal paperwork — without the legal drama.

www.bypersonaltouch.com