What is a Clean Break Order?

The main purpose of a Clean Break Order is to ensure that there are no ongoing financial ties between ex-spouses. This means that neither party can make future claims against the other’s income or assets once the order is in place.

• Asset Division: Specifies how assets and liabilities will be divided between the parties.
• Spousal Support: Terminates the possibility of future spousal maintenance claims.
• Pension Sharing: Details any pension sharing arrangements.
• Property Rights: Clarifies the ownership and division of any property.

Clean Break Orders offer several benefits, including:

• Providing financial independence and closure for both parties.
• Preventing future financial disputes and claims.
• Allowing both parties to move on with their lives without financial entanglements.
• Providing a clear and legally binding agreement on financial matters.

A Clean Break Order might be particularly suitable if:

• Both parties have similar earning capacities and do not require ongoing financial support.
• There are no significant assets or ongoing financial commitments that need to be managed jointly.
• Both parties wish to achieve financial independence as quickly as possible.

For a Clean Break Order to be legally binding in the UK, it must meet certain requirements:

• It must be approved by a court, even if both parties agree to it.
• Full financial disclosure must be made by both parties.
• The agreement must be fair and reasonable to both parties.
• Both parties must have obtained independent legal advice.