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What Are Financial Needs?

When financial settlements are being made on divorce, one crucial aspect that is taken into account in deciding the structure and value of the settlement is the 'financial needs' of the person receiving maintenance from their former spouse.

However, one of the recurring problems in such cases is that 'need' appears to mean somewhat different things to different people – including different judges.

In a bid to introduce more consistency into decisions regarding financial needs on divorce, the Family Justice Council has introduced a 64-page guidance document for the judiciary.

The guidance specifies that the question of financial need will be decided by the court as a matter of fact and will, in most cases, take into account housing needs and present and future income needs, which will normally include income in retirement.

The level and duration of the need will be decided by the court. Where greater resources are available, the guidance states that, as regards the definition of a party's 'reasonable needs', the 'key point…is that in cases involving more financial resources and higher marital standard of living, "needs" can be met at a higher level than would otherwise be possible'. The importance of the standard of living in assessing need will generally depend on the duration of the relationship, and some reduction in living standards may be expected as a result of 'the objective of transition to independence'.

Where resources are 'modest', the needs of children may predominate.

The guidance stresses that all available assets should be taken into account when determining the terms of the settlement, not just those acquired during the relationship.

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The guidance will assist judges in making their rulings, but it will remain essential to ensure that full and frank disclosure of assets is achieved and to have expert representation in the negotiations to achieve the best possible outcome.
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.