Tweet
Hello all,
I'm currently navigating a separation and would appreciate some insights on the division of marital assets. My ex and I are discussing how to split our property. We parted on good terms, and most things we have to liaise on are done without any drama.
We're aiming for a fair arrangement, but of course, when it comes down to the split wanted for the sale of the property, both sides have a difference of opinion on what fair means, so friction often ensues.
I've consulted with a solicitor, and based on my discussions with them, we came out with a figure of a 45% share of the assets for myself. This would allow me to secure a two-bedroom property for my children (ages 11 Boy and 7 Girl) and myself. My ex, who would be the primary carer, would then receive 55%, which should enable her to purchase a 3-bedroom home. Just for clarity, assumptions were made by me and the solicitor about her income.
However, upon conversations with my ex, she believes that she should receive a larger portion, around 60%, due to her part-time work and a reduced final salary pension. While I'm open to negotiation, I feel that a 57-43 split would be the most I'd be willing to meet on. We have both mentioned a clean break clause, as I hear horror stories about pensions being completely raided etc.
Due to a complex setup I still stay in the property we own 2 - 3 days a week for childcare, All other times I rent elsewhere, I still pay half the mortgage (Understandably), I have my children every other weekend as well, The solicitor was not cheap so as a single parent paying a mortgage, rent and child maintenace I cant afford to get any more assistance so just seeing if what I see as fair may be seen that way, we definately dont want to go to court due to the costs but not sure what to do next.
The mortgage is due in Feb 2026, and we only kept the property on for continued stability for the kids, and due to a very large early repayment fee, neither of us was willing to shoulder, My ex has said should we not come to an agreament then she would refuse to move out but the new mortgage offer that I feel I'd be trapped into is a massive increase on what we had been paying as we had a very good fixed rate, So I do feel a bit trapped.
My ex has also stated that she wants to be in the same town as my children go to school (other options very close by are available, I should add), and she wants to be near her friends. I may be wrong, but I don't see all of those reasons as valid or fair (apart from maybe the children's school one)
I'm seeking advice or experience on how best to approach this discussion and ensure a fair outcome for both parties. Any insights or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance for your help!
I'm currently navigating a separation and would appreciate some insights on the division of marital assets. My ex and I are discussing how to split our property. We parted on good terms, and most things we have to liaise on are done without any drama.
We're aiming for a fair arrangement, but of course, when it comes down to the split wanted for the sale of the property, both sides have a difference of opinion on what fair means, so friction often ensues.
I've consulted with a solicitor, and based on my discussions with them, we came out with a figure of a 45% share of the assets for myself. This would allow me to secure a two-bedroom property for my children (ages 11 Boy and 7 Girl) and myself. My ex, who would be the primary carer, would then receive 55%, which should enable her to purchase a 3-bedroom home. Just for clarity, assumptions were made by me and the solicitor about her income.
However, upon conversations with my ex, she believes that she should receive a larger portion, around 60%, due to her part-time work and a reduced final salary pension. While I'm open to negotiation, I feel that a 57-43 split would be the most I'd be willing to meet on. We have both mentioned a clean break clause, as I hear horror stories about pensions being completely raided etc.
Due to a complex setup I still stay in the property we own 2 - 3 days a week for childcare, All other times I rent elsewhere, I still pay half the mortgage (Understandably), I have my children every other weekend as well, The solicitor was not cheap so as a single parent paying a mortgage, rent and child maintenace I cant afford to get any more assistance so just seeing if what I see as fair may be seen that way, we definately dont want to go to court due to the costs but not sure what to do next.
The mortgage is due in Feb 2026, and we only kept the property on for continued stability for the kids, and due to a very large early repayment fee, neither of us was willing to shoulder, My ex has said should we not come to an agreament then she would refuse to move out but the new mortgage offer that I feel I'd be trapped into is a massive increase on what we had been paying as we had a very good fixed rate, So I do feel a bit trapped.
My ex has also stated that she wants to be in the same town as my children go to school (other options very close by are available, I should add), and she wants to be near her friends. I may be wrong, but I don't see all of those reasons as valid or fair (apart from maybe the children's school one)
I'm seeking advice or experience on how best to approach this discussion and ensure a fair outcome for both parties. Any insights or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance for your help!