In the immediate aftermath of a separation, it's best to try and keep your usual financial arrangements running. That way, things are kept stable and you hopefully avoid getting into debt. Things can be difficult though, especially if you or your ex has moved out and there are more household outgoings to pay. Ideally, you need to plan your finances together and agree as much as you can.
However, you may be concerned that your ex will simply stop supporting you or will sell, transfer or somehow get rid of money and property deliberately to prevent a fair financial settlement from being reached. Speed - and specialist legal advice - will protect yourself and your family.
The court has a range of powers to deal with this including:
- Freezing orders (also called injunctions) which prevent your ex from dealing with their assets in a way that might jeopardise your claims. These can be notified to third parties such as a bank and are capable of being enforced ultimately by imprisonment if intentionally breached by your ex.
- Emergency maintenance, also called interim maintenance or maintenance pending suit (MPS) which you can apply for if your ex is not supporting you and you are struggling to pay your reasonable day-to-day outgoings.
- Setting aside transfers of assets that were deliberately made to undermine your financial claims.
Applications that can also be made to HM Land Registry to protect your interest in your family home or other property.
