Can my ex claim money from me after our divorce?

Quick answer

• Yes, under the law of England and Wales your ex can make financial claims after divorce in specific circumstances provided no clean break order is in place.

• Claims must usually relate to maintenance, capital division, pension sharing, or property adjustment.

• Legal processes can apply so act promptly if you are concerned.

Which financial claims are possible after divorce

• Maintenance (spousal maintenance): periodic payments to support a former spouse who cannot meet reasonable needs.

• Capital payments: lump sums to reflect contributions or needs.

• Property adjustment orders: transferring or selling property to achieve a fair outcome.

• Pension sharing orders: dividing pension assets between parties.

• Clean break orders: one-off settlements that end ongoing financial obligations.

Who can make a post-divorce claim

• Either spouse can apply for financial relief under Part III of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973.

• Claims apply to legally married couples, not cohabitants (different rules apply).

• Adult children do not make these claims directly though child maintenance has separate rules.

Time limits and starting points

•Either spouse can apply for financial relief provided there is no clean break order in place. However, the Court will not have the jurisdiction to make many of the substantive orders, save for example in relation to maintenance, until the Conditional Order within divorce proceedings has been made.

• Date of separation, financial disclosure and earlier court orders affect timing and scope.

Factors the court considers

​• The welfare and needs of any children of the family.

• Each spouse’s income, earning capacity, property and financial resources.

• Contributions during the marriage, both financial and non-financial, such as homemaking and childcare.

• Standard of living during the marriage and the length of the marriage.

• Age, health and any disability of either party.

• Conduct only when it would be inequitable to disregard it.

• The obligation to provide a clean break where appropriate.

High-net-worth cases and complexity

​• Cases with substantial assets, complex investments, or international elements require specialist advice.

• The court aims for fairness not strict equality, so settlements may reflect needs, contributions and future earning potential.

• Specialist solicitors and financial experts help value assets such as businesses, pensions, trusts, and overseas property.

Practical steps if your ex asks for money

​• Do not ignore any formal application or court papers.

• Gather financial documents: bank statements, pension statements, property deeds mortgage details and tax returns.

• Consider negotiating a settlement through solicitors or mediation to avoid costly litigation.

• Seek disclosure from your ex and produce accurate information yourself.

• Get specialist legal advice from us early, especially for pensions, businesses or complex investments.

Mediation and negotiation options

• Mediation offers a quicker, less adversarial, and often cheaper route than court.

• A mediated consent order recorded by the court becomes legally binding.

• Financial disputes that settle early save time legal costs and emotional strain.

When a clean break is achievable

• A clean break severs future financial claims between the parties where possible.

• Courts favour a clean break if neither party will suffer hardship and a fair division is feasible.

• Where long-term maintenance is required the court may refuse a full clean break.

International and overseas issues

• Assets held outside England and Wales complicate enforcement and valuation.

• International law and treaties may affect whether overseas courts will recognise orders.

• Seek advice from solicitors like us experienced in cross-border matrimonial finance.

Common myths debunked

• Myth: Your ex can claim unlimited money at any time. Fact: Every case will be determined according to applicable legal principles and significant delay and changes in circumstances may well impact the order a Court will make.

• Myth: Signing separation agreements prevents all claims forever. Fact: Prenuptial or separation agreements can be set aside if unfair or improperly entered into.

• Myth: Only the higher earner pays. Fact: Courts look at whole financial picture, contributions and future needs.

When to get our legal advice

• Immediately if served with Form A or a court order.

• Before agreeing to any settlement or consent order.

• If you have complex assets, significant pensions, or cross-border issues.

• If you worry about enforcement or hiding of assets.

Conclusion

​• Your ex can claim money after divorce but only within legal frameworks and only if there is no clean break order.

• Prompt action, full financial disclosure and specialist legal advice improve your chances of a fair outcome.

• Consider mediation to reach quicker, less costly settlements and where possible obtain a clean break to prevent ongoing claims.

Need help

At Alexander JLO we have many years of experience of dealing with all aspects of family law and will be happy to discuss your case in a free no obligation consultation. Why not call us on +44 (0)20 7537 7000, email us at info@london-law.co.uk or get in touch via the contact us button and see what we can do for you?

This blog was prepared by Peter Johnson on 2025 and is correct at the time of going to press. With over forty years of experience in almost all areas of law Peter is happy to assist with any legal issue that you have. He is widely regarded as one of London’s leading divorce lawyers. His profile on the independent Review Solicitor website can be found Here.

To follow up on any of the above please contact Guy Wilton of our family department. Guy has wide experience of acting for the firm’s clients, their family and their businesses. Guy’s experience as a lawyer started in the Northern and Welsh Circuits, including the Liverpool Courts, where he represented numerous clients after being called to the Bar, before opting to join Alexander JLO in 2017 and qualifying as a solicitor in 2024. He is a highly experienced family lawyer with a particular interest in financial remedy proceedings and child contact disputes.

Guy’s profile on the independent Review Solicitor website can be viewed here.