This is the financial matter to create more emotion and upset during a separation. The home in which you feel safe and secure becomes simply another asset; ‘the former matrimonial home’(FMH) to give it its legal name. It is very important to act with sensitivity when dealing with the home. Regardless of whether one or both parties wish to remain living in the home it’s important to maintain all payments associated with it. Mortgage, home insurance and bills must all be maintained.

If you have been left in a position where you can’t physically meet the payments, we work with you to contact all parties involved to explain the situation and set up arrangements to pay what you can. Banks and mortgage providers do have a duty of care to deal with customers sympathetically (how good they are at being sympathetic will vary from bank to bank and is a point of contention); however, it’s always best to keep communication open so they know and understand your position.

At some point you may need to secure a mortgage to buy your partner’s share of the equity, or to buy a new property for yourself. At this stage it will be important that you’ve maintained a good credit rating throughout the break-up (and not damaged your credit rating through neglecting your responsibilities, no matter how trivial they may seem).

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.