Divorce 2026: How to Protect Your Assets and Split Amicably (12 January 2026)

January is time of year when family law enquiries in relation to divorce and separation of assets rise sharply following Christmas and the New Year.

Relationship pressures, financial strain and unresolved issues often come to a head, leading many people to search for clear, practical advice on divorce, separation and mediation.

If you are considering separation or divorce, early legal advice can make a significant difference. With the right planning, it is possible to protect your assets, reduce conflict and avoid unnecessary court proceedings.

This month, Duncan Lewis Solicitors is publishing a series of expert articles and short videos explaining how to manage relationship breakdown constructively and with confidence.

Coming up…

Prenuptial Agreements: Protecting Assets Before Marriage

Prenuptial agreements are increasingly common in England and Wales and are no longer just for high-net-worth couples. They provide clarity about how assets, property and finances would be divided in the event of divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership.

While prenups are not automatically legally binding, UK courts will usually uphold them if they are properly prepared, with full financial disclosure and independent legal advice, following the principles set out in Radmacher v Granatino.

Prenuptial agreements are particularly useful where:

• One or both parties own property or a business
• There are children from a previous relationship
• Assets have been built up before marriage

Separation Agreements: A Practical Alternative to Divorce

A separation agreement allows couples to live apart while remaining married, setting out clear arrangements for finances, property and children. For many, this provides time, stability and legal protection without the immediacy of divorce.

Separation agreements can reduce conflict, preserve privacy and make any future divorce quicker and less costly.

Divorce Mediation: A Faster, Less Adversarial Option

Divorce mediation is one of the most effective ways to resolve disputes without going to court. A neutral mediator helps couples reach agreements on finances, property and child arrangements, keeping control with the parties rather than a judge.

Mediation is usually faster and more cost-effective than court proceedings, and attendance at a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is required in most cases before issuing a court application.

Divorce Advice You Can Watch and Read

Throughout January, Duncan Lewis is publishing SEO-friendly articles and short explainer videos covering:

• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
• Separation vs divorce
• Divorce mediation and MIAMs
• Protecting assets and financial settlements
• Reducing conflict and supporting children

Stay tuned and follow Duncan Lewis Solicitors on TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn for regular updates throughout January and beyond.

Our Team

Mandeep Benning is a Director in the Family department at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, based in our City of London Office. Mandeep and has specialised exclusively in private family law for over a decade. She handles all areas of relationship breakdown and has extensive experience in advising and assisting clients through financial applications within divorce, judicial separation and civil partnership dissolution, as well dealing with private law Children Act proceedings.

Sophie Burchett is Director and Head of Mediation at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, leading the firm’s nationwide mediation practice. A Resolution-trained (all-issues) mediator and member of the Law Society’s Children Panel, she helps separating couples reach practical, child-focused agreements outside of court. With extensive experience as a family lawyer and a mediator, Sophie understands the emotional and legal challenges families face during separation.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors 

Duncan Lewis Solicitors, an award-winning law firm renowned for its exceptional legal services and commitment to social justice our team of highly skilled solicitors provides top-tier representation in 25 diverse fields of law, including immigration, family, criminal, employment, and property law. Recognised for their unwavering dedication to making justice accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances, Duncan Lewis Solicitors' outstanding reputation and numerous accolades, including being crowned Law Firm of the Year at the LexisNexis awards 2024 and Family Law Firm of the Year 2025 (London).