Family Law · Financial Settlements
Financial Settlements Solicitors in Chester
Property, Pensions & Maintenance — Expert Advice on Dividing Assets After Divorce
Serving Chester, Cheshire, Ellesmere Port, Wrexham and North Wales. Part of our wider Family Law services
Speak to Martin DiasYour Divorce Journey
Related Steps — What Else You May Need
Divide assets, property, pensions and savings. A consent order makes it legally binding.
Financial Settlement Areas
The Three Issues That Matter Most
Financial settlements cover a wide range of assets and arrangements. The three areas that cause the most anxiety — and generate the most questions — are property, pensions and maintenance. We have dedicated pages for each.
Property Settlements
Who keeps the house? Forced sales, buyouts, Mesher orders and protecting your share of the family home.
Read morePension Sharing
Pension sharing orders, offsetting and earmarking. Often the most valuable asset — and the most misunderstood.
Read moreMaintenance & Income
Spousal maintenance, child maintenance and capitalised lump sum alternatives. What you can expect and for how long.
Read moreReal Results
Financial Settlement Cases We've Handled
We have successfully resolved complex financial settlements for families across Chester and Cheshire. Here are examples of the types of cases we handle regularly.
Complex Pension Sharing — Chester
Advised a Chester couple on dividing multiple pension pots accumulated over a 25-year marriage. Worked with pension actuaries to structure a pension sharing order that protected both parties' retirement income.
Fair pension division achievedBusiness Asset Protection — Cheshire
Represented a business owner in Cheshire in financial remedy proceedings. Successfully argued for the business to be treated as non-matrimonial, protecting the company from forced sale while ensuring fair settlement for the other party.
Business protected, fair settlementMesher Order with Children — North Wales
Negotiated a Mesher order for a family in North Wales, allowing the primary carer to remain in the family home with children until the youngest reached 18, while preserving the other party's equity share.
Housing stability securedWhat Financial Settlements Can Cover
How Courts Decide Financial Settlements
Courts do not have a formula for dividing assets. Instead, they consider a range of factors specific to your circumstances.
Length of marriage
Longer marriages generally lead to more equal division of assets accumulated during the relationship.
Needs of each party
Housing needs, income capacity and health are central considerations — courts prioritise meeting basic needs first.
Children's welfare
The primary carer's housing and financial stability is given significant weight where children are involved.
Contributions made
Both financial contributions and non-financial contributions (such as caring for children) are considered.
Standard of living
The standard of living enjoyed during the marriage is a relevant factor, particularly in longer marriages.
Age and earning capacity
Future earning capacity and the ability to rebuild financially after separation are assessed.
Pre-marital assets
Assets brought into the marriage may be ring-fenced, particularly where a prenuptial agreement exists.
Conduct
Conduct is rarely relevant unless it is so serious that it would be inequitable to disregard it.
Your Family Law Specialist
Your Family Law Specialist
Martin Dias
Family Law Executive
Martin brings almost 30 years of specialist family law experience to every case — divorce, separation, financial settlements and children matters. Clients value his straight-talking honesty, patience, and genuine emotional support throughout what is often a very difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Client Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
“Martin and the team at PDA Law made an incredibly difficult time much more manageable. Their advice was always clear, compassionate, and practical. I felt fully supported throughout.”
Rebecca H.
Family law client, Chester
* Names changed to protect client confidentiality. Testimonials reflect genuine client experiences.
Get Started
Speak to a Financial Settlements Solicitor
No obligation · Costs explained clearly · Early advice often protects your position
Funding Your Legal Fees
Own a property? You may not need savings to fund your case.
If you jointly own the matrimonial home, a Sears Tooth agreement allows us to secure our fees against your share of the property — meaning no upfront payment is required. Fees are deducted when the property is sold or transferred. This option is particularly suited to non-working spouses or those with limited income.
Explore all funding optionsWe do not accept legal aid cases. PDA Law is a private client practice. All family law matters are funded privately — through direct fees, payment plans, or a Sears Tooth agreement where applicable.
Prefer to speak with us? Call 01244 757352
Ready to Discuss Your Financial Settlement?
Whether you're facing divorce, separation, or need to formalise a financial arrangement, our experienced team in Chester is here to help. Call for a free initial consultation.