These two processes are connected but separate. Your divorce does not by itself decide who keeps what.
Is everything split 50/50 in divorce?
No. Nothing is divided automatically. What you built up together is usually shared, often starting from equal, while assets you brought in, inherited or received as a gift may be treated differently. Needs can override all of it, especially where children need a home.
CalmSplit takes care of the divorce itself: you answer plain-English questions online and we prepare and manage your application to HMCTS for a one-off £159 per person. Your financial arrangements are handled separately.
- The divorce ends the marriage. It does not divide your money or property
- £159 one-off per person for the divorce, court fee paid separately to HMCTS
- CalmSplit is a self-help platform, not a law firm. Independent solicitor referrals are available
One-off CalmSplit fee. HMCTS court fees are paid separately to the court.
Start your divorce freeNo payment to begin. £159 one-off when you are ready to prepare your application. Court fees are paid separately to HMCTS.
See how it worksShared versus non-shared assets
- Built up during the marriage: usually shared, equal sharing is the usual starting point
- Owned before the marriage: may be treated differently, especially after a short marriage
- Inherited or gifted: often argued to be outside the shared pot, unless needed to meet needs
- Pensions: the part built up during the marriage is commonly shared
Needs come first
If an equal split leaves one household unable to rehouse or meet reasonable outgoings, the division changes to meet those needs. That is the single most common reason settlements are not 50/50.
Two separate processes
It helps to keep two things apart. Ending your marriage is a court process that follows a fixed timetable and does not look at your finances. Sorting your finances is about who keeps what: the home, savings, pensions and debts. You can run them side by side, but one does not automatically decide the other.
- Ending your marriage: the divorce application, conditional order and final order
- Sorting your finances: an agreement between you, and usually a financial court order to make it binding
- CalmSplit's £159 fee covers the divorce itself, not a financial settlement
When to get advice
Consider independent legal or financial advice where there are pensions of real value, a business, complex property, significant debts, or where you are unsure whether what you have agreed is reasonable. CalmSplit can refer you to an independent solicitor. That does not change your £159 CalmSplit fee, and we do not take a fee for the referral.
Frequently asked questions
Related CalmSplit pages
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