A clean break is a financial settlement that brings all financial ties between you and your former spouse to an end. Once a clean break order is approved by the court, neither party can usually make future financial claims against the other, providing certainty and financial independence moving forward.
To achieve a clean break, you will first need to reach an agreement about how your assets, income, pensions and any liabilities should be divided. This can be done through negotiation, mediation, solicitor-led discussions, or as part of court proceedings if an agreement cannot be reached.
Even where you and your ex-spouse have agreed matters between yourselves, it is important to have the agreement formalised in a court-approved consent order. Without a court order, financial claims can remain open long after the divorce has been finalised.
Whether a clean break is appropriate will depend on your individual circumstances. In some cases, ongoing financial support may be necessary, particularly where there is a significant income disparity, one party has caring responsibilities for children, or there are complex financial arrangements to resolve.
Seeking legal advice at an early stage can help you understand your options and ensure any settlement properly protects your future financial position.
