How to protect your finances in divorce
How to Protect Yourself Financially in Divorce
Divorce is never just emotional...
it is financial.
The moment you separate, your financial security becomes vulnerable.
Whether you were the main earner,
the homemaker,
or somewhere in between,
here’s how to take control of your money and protect your future.
1. Get Full Disclosure... Before It's Too Late
The law requires full and frank disclosure of both parties’ finances.
This includes assets, income, pensions, debts, and business interests.
But don’t wait for the Form E stage to start preparing.
Begin gathering documents now...
payslips, P60s, tax returns, bank statements, property deeds, mortgage details, loan agreements, pension valuations, and any evidence of recent spending or transfers.
If you suspect your spouse may hide or dissipate assets,
consider applying for a freezing order under section 37 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973.
But act fast... delay can harm your credibility and case.
2. Take Immediate Action to Secure Accounts
Change all passwords on your individual bank, credit, and investment accounts.
Make sure you have sole control over your own finances.
For joint accounts, notify the bank immediately that you do not consent to further withdrawals without your signature.
Some banks will freeze the account on request or convert it to ‘both to sign’ status.
This can prevent money vanishing overnight.
If you are worried about reckless spending or cash being siphoned off, keep a written record and bank statements to show later in court. T
his can be relevant when arguing conduct or dissipation of assets.
3. Protect Your Credit Rating
Run a credit check on yourself and consider putting a notice of disassociation on joint credit.
If your spouse defaults on a loan or racks up debt on a joint credit card, your rating could be affected.
Close or freeze joint credit cards, overdrafts, or loan accounts if possible.
If that’s not an option, at least agree a cap on further borrowing in writing.
4. Stop the Spending Spiral
This isn’t the time to book luxury holidays or ‘spend to spite’.
All spending will come under scrutiny.
If it looks like one of you is wasting money or emptying accounts, the court can ‘add back’ the missing money when dividing assets.
Keep your spending necessary and modest.
Keep receipts.
Budget properly.
If your spouse is making lavish purchases, keep evidence...
it can make a difference when it comes to fairness.
5. Think Ahead About Maintenance and Housing
If you’re financially dependent on your spouse,
get legal advice on applying for interim maintenance
(also called maintenance pending suit) under section 22 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973.
It is there to stop people from being financially stranded during the process.
Housing needs are another big issue.
If you’re living in the former matrimonial home,
register your home rights with the Land Registry to prevent a sale or transfer without your consent.
6. Get Strategic Legal Advice... Not Just Sympathy
This is where I come in.
You don’t need to hand over thousands to a solicitor or feel fobbed off by juniors who don’t know your case.
I offer expert telephone advice from £100 per hour...
with direct, straightforward advice.
You’ll get a strategy, an action plan, and honest advice from someone who spent 20 years as a solicitor advocate and ran her own law firm.
I’ve helped hundreds of people protect their assets, prepare for court, and fight back against financial abuse.
Final Thoughts
Divorce is a legal and financial process... not just a breakup.
The sooner you treat it that way, the better your outcome.
Gather your evidence,
secure your money,
and don’t be afraid to take advice early.