Category: Family & Divorce

Recently, Vyman Solicitors’ Director, Zharna Sutaria, joined the Female Pharmacy Leaders Network to discuss an increasingly important topic: protecting wealth, assets and financial security within modern relationships.

While the session was hosted for female pharmacy leaders, the themes explored are relevant to a much wider audience. Business owners, professionals, property investors, entrepreneurs and individuals with family wealth increasingly face the same questions when it comes to protecting what they have worked hard to build.

As more people enter relationships with existing assets, businesses, investments and future inheritances, understanding how those assets may be treated has become an important part of long-term financial planning.

One theme resonated throughout the session: legal protection is not about planning for failure. It is about making informed decisions while relationships are strong.

“It’s my inheritance, so it’s protected.”

One of the biggest misconceptions discussed during the webinar was the belief that inherited wealth or gifts automatically remain separate.

The reality is often more nuanced.

While inherited assets may initially be viewed differently from assets built together during a relationship, how those assets are treated over time can become highly relevant. Assets that begin as separate can become intertwined through shared finances, family spending or joint decision making.

The question is not always where an asset came from. It can also be how it has been used.

For families looking to preserve wealth across generations, this distinction is often overlooked until it becomes important.

The Changing Perception of Pre-Nuptial Agreements

Pre-nuptial agreements are no longer reserved for celebrities or ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

Increasingly, they are being considered by professionals, entrepreneurs, second marriages, property owners and those expecting to receive family wealth in the future.

The shift is cultural as much as legal.

Rather than being viewed as a sign of mistrust, many people now see these agreements as part of sensible financial planning. Much like writing a Will or putting insurance in place, they provide an opportunity to address important financial considerations openly and transparently.

The most successful agreements are often those discussed positively, with both parties understanding that the purpose is not conflict, but forward planning.

Cohabitation: The Risk Many Couples Don’t See

Another area explored during the webinar was the rise of cohabitation.

Many couples are surprised to learn that living together does not automatically provide the same legal protections as marriage.

Despite the widespread belief in the concept of a “common law spouse”, no such legal status exists in England and Wales.

This can create unexpected issues where property ownership, financial contributions or future intentions have never been properly documented.

For couples buying property together, contributing different amounts or receiving support from family members, taking advice early can often prevent uncertainty later.

Protection Is About More Than Documents

While pre-nuptial agreements, post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements and declarations of trust can all play an important role, one of the strongest messages from the session was that protection starts long before any document is signed.

Many disputes arise not because people intended to create conflict, but because assumptions were made and never properly discussed.

The strongest foundations are often built through open conversations, clear intentions and careful planning.

A Final Thought

Perhaps the most important takeaway from the webinar was this:

Protecting your wealth is not about preparing for relationships to fail. It is about ensuring that the life, opportunities and assets you have worked hard to build are supported by sensible planning and informed decision making.

The best time to have these conversations is rarely during a dispute. It is when relationships are strong, plans are being made and everyone is working towards the same future.

If you would like to discuss pre-nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements, inheritance protection or wider family wealth planning, our specialist Family Law team would be happy to help.

When relationships break down, the immediate focus often turns to outcomes — financial arrangements, living situations, and the practical realities of separation.

But what is often overlooked is how that process is experienced by children.

A recent report, Putting Children First, supported by the Children’s Commissioner, reinforces a point increasingly shaping modern family law: it is not separation itself that causes the greatest harm to children, but the conflict that surrounds it.

What Does “Putting Children First” Mean in Divorce?

The report encourages a more structured, problem-solving approach to separation, particularly where children are involved.

This includes:

• reducing unnecessary conflict between parents
• considering alternatives to court where appropriate
• ensuring children are not placed in a position where they feel they must choose sides

The Children’s Commissioner’s letter highlights that where children feel parents are “fighting for them”, they can feel caught in the middle — with effects that can last well beyond the legal process.

Zharna Sutaria, Head of Family Law at Vyman Solicitors, comments:

“In practice, it is rarely the legal complexity alone that makes matters difficult — it is how the situation unfolds between the parties.

Where communication breaks down and positions become entrenched, children can become unintentionally drawn into that dynamic. They may feel responsible, or that they need to align with one parent.

Taking a structured and considered approach from the outset can make a significant difference — not just to the outcome, but to how the process is experienced by the family as a whole.”

Why This Matters in Practice

Where there are wider financial considerations — whether that involves property portfolios, business interests or long-term financial planning — the way a matter is handled becomes even more important.

Decisions are rarely made in isolation.

They can affect:

• financial stability
• ongoing arrangements between parties
• future planning for children and family
• and, in some cases, the continued operation of a business or shared interests

In these situations, conflict can have wider consequences beyond the immediate dispute.

A more structured approach allows those factors to be understood and managed early.

How Family Lawyers Are Adapting

The direction of travel within family law is clear.

There is increasing recognition that:

• the traditional adversarial model is not always aligned with the best outcomes for families
• early clarity and structure can reduce escalation
• the way a case is handled is just as important as the legal result

This does not remove the need for robust legal advice.

But it does reinforce the importance of how and when that advice is applied.

How Can Conflict Be Reduced During Divorce?

While every situation is different, certain principles can help reduce unnecessary conflict:

• taking early advice to understand the full position
• approaching discussions with structure rather than reaction
• focusing on long-term outcomes rather than short-term positions
• maintaining awareness of how decisions affect children

In many cases, the most effective outcomes are achieved through informed, measured engagement rather than escalation.

A More Considered Approach to Separation

For parents, the instinct is often to focus on their own position — particularly where there is uncertainty or a breakdown in trust.

But the question increasingly being asked is:

What will this process feel like for the child?

And alongside that:

How can this be resolved in a way that protects both the family dynamic and the future?

Separation is rarely straightforward.

But with the right guidance, it can be managed in a way that avoids unnecessary escalation and keeps the focus on long-term outcomes.

Not just in terms of resolution — but in how that process shapes what comes next.

If you are navigating separation and would like a structured and considered approach to resolving matters, our Family Law team is here to support you.

Source: Children at heart of ‘problem-solving’ blueprint for family lawyers

About Vyman Solicitors

Located in North West London, Vyman Solicitors provides a comprehensive range of legal services, including Corporate & Commercial Property Law, Litigation, Residential and Conveyancing Law, Family Law, Private Client and Immigration. Known for its commitment to personalised client support and legal excellence, Vyman is a trusted partner for businesses and individuals alike.

Follow Vyman Solicitors on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Financial remedy proceedings in the UK rely on one key principle: both parties must provide full and honest financial disclosure.

This means sharing details of:

• income
• property
• savings and investments
• property or assets abroad
• business interests
• trusts or assets held through other structures

When that information is incomplete or misleading, it is known as non-disclosure — and it can significantly affect the outcome of a case.

This issue is increasingly common in financial remedy proceedings in England & Wales, particularly where assets are held through businesses, trusts or complex financial arrangements.

A recent High Court decision, MK v SK [2026] EWFC 28, highlights exactly how.

What Is Non-Disclosure in Divorce?

Non-disclosure occurs where one party does not fully reveal their financial position.

This can include:

• failing to disclose assets
• providing incomplete or unclear information
• using complex structures to obscure ownership
• presenting finances in a way that makes them difficult to assess

In some cases, it may be deliberate.

In others, it arises from informal arrangements or a lack of clear documentation.

Either way, it creates a challenge for the court.

What Happened in MK v SK?

In MK v SK, the court was dealing with a long marriage involving:

• significant historic wealth
• business interests held through corporate structures
• trust arrangements
• and a lifestyle supported through complex financial arrangements

The husband maintained that his wealth was limited.

The wife argued that he had access to substantially greater resources.

However, the financial picture presented to the court was unclear. There were:

• gaps in documentation
• no reliable valuation of the business
• limited transparency around trust arrangements
• informal financial practices, including undocumented loans

The judge ultimately found that the husband had not provided full financial disclosure, and was likely to have access to assets that had not been properly revealed.

How Do Courts Deal With Hidden Assets in Divorce?

Even where non-disclosure is identified, the court must still reach a decision.

In this case, without clear evidence of the full extent of wealth, the court could not reliably apply a straightforward division of assets.

Instead, it focused on what could be established with confidence — the wife’s financial needs.

The outcome included:

• the wife retaining the former matrimonial home
• a lump sum to meet her income needs
• interim maintenance
• provision for liabilities

Where the financial picture is unclear, the court may prioritise a fair and practical outcome based on need.

Can You Be Penalised for Non-Disclosure in Divorce?

Yes — but the impact is not always straightforward.

The court can:

• draw adverse inferences
• question credibility
• adjust the outcome where appropriate

However, as this case demonstrates, where the court cannot clearly establish the extent of undisclosed wealth, it may still need to proceed based on the available evidence.

Zharna Sutaria, Head of Family Law at Vyman Solicitors, explains:

“Where there is uncertainty around the financial position, the court is often required to make decisions based on incomplete information.

In practice, this can mean that the outcome does not fully reflect the underlying reality of the parties’ wealth.”

What Evidence Is Needed to Prove Hidden Assets?

Proving non-disclosure can be complex, particularly where assets are held through layered structures or informal arrangements.

Relevant evidence may include:

• financial records and transaction histories
• inconsistencies in disclosure
• business documentation
• trust structures and ownership links
• patterns of expenditure

In some cases, the absence of documentation can itself raise concerns.

Why Non-Disclosure Creates Risk for Both Parties

Non-disclosure is often assumed to benefit the person withholding information.

In reality, it creates risk for both sides.

For the person not disclosing:

• credibility may be damaged
• the court may draw adverse conclusions
• the outcome may be less favourable

For the other party:

• it may be difficult to establish the full extent of wealth
• key assets may not be properly accounted for
• the final outcome may fall short of expectations

Zharna adds:

“These cases can become less about precision and more about practicality.

Where the court cannot establish the full picture, it will focus on achieving a fair and workable outcome based on what is known.”

What Can You Do If You Suspect Hidden Assets in Divorce?

The most important step is early financial clarity.

This involves:

• understanding how assets are held and structured
• identifying gaps or inconsistencies in disclosure
• assessing where further information may be required
• forming a clear strategy before positions become entrenched

A structured early assessment can help:

• identify risks at the outset
• strengthen your position in negotiations
• reduce unnecessary escalation
• ensure decisions are made with a clear understanding of the financial position

MK v SK highlights a key reality of financial remedy proceedings: where financial clarity is lacking, outcomes may be shaped by what can be proven – not necessarily what exists

For clients, this reinforces the importance of understanding the financial position early and approaching matters with a clear and structured strategy.

If you are concerned about financial disclosure or would like to understand your position at an early stage, our Family Law team can provide a structured and considered assessment to help guide next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hidden Assets in Divorce

What is financial disclosure in divorce?

Financial disclosure is the process where both parties provide full details of their income, assets, liabilities and financial interests so that a fair financial settlement can be reached.

What happens if someone hides assets in divorce?

The court can draw adverse inferences, adjust the financial award, or order further investigation if assets are suspected to be hidden.

Can a divorce settlement be challenged later if assets were hidden?

Yes. If non-disclosure is discovered after a settlement, it may be possible to reopen the case.

About Vyman Solicitors

Located in North West London, Vyman Solicitors provides a comprehensive range of legal services, including Corporate & Commercial Property Law, Litigation, Residential and Conveyancing Law, Family Law, Private Client and Immigration. Known for its commitment to personalised client support and legal excellence, Vyman is a trusted partner for businesses and individuals alike.

Follow Vyman Solicitors on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

By Zharna Sutaria, Head of Family Law, Vyman Solicitors

The festive season is often portrayed as a time of joy, closeness and celebration – but for many couples, Christmas and New Year also bring stress, emotional pressure and unresolved tensions to the surface. It is no coincidence that across the UK, divorce enquiries rise significantly in January, as people take stock of their relationships and begin thinking about the year ahead.

As a family law solicitor, I see the same pattern every year. The festive holiday period becomes a turning point – not because problems suddenly appear, but because for many couples, it is the first moment they are able to pause, reflect and acknowledge what they have been carrying for a long time.

The Pressure of Christmas Can Intensify Relationship Strain

Financial worries, childcare demands, family dynamics and high expectations can all weigh heavily during Christmas. When a relationship is already under strain, the holiday season can heighten feelings of loneliness, frustration or emotional distance.

Clients often tell me that Christmas left them feeling:

• overwhelmed by responsibility,
• unsupported or disconnected,
• financially stretched,
• or simply exhausted from “keeping the peace”.

When the decorations come down and life returns to routine, many people finally feel able to take the first step toward understanding their options – including exploring separation or divorce.

What the Latest Divorce Statistics Really Mean

In February 2024, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that divorces in 2022 fell by 29.5% compared to 2021. At first glance, this might suggest fewer marriages are breaking down – but the picture is more complex.

The introduction of no-fault divorce on 6 April 2022 played a major role. This new law simplified the process, removed the need to blame one partner and introduced a mandatory 20-week reflection period before a divorce can progress.

Because many couples issued their petitions under the old system before the change took effect, divorces recorded in 2022 naturally dropped. Ongoing living-cost pressures and the encouragement of mediation also contributed to delays in formal proceedings.

So while the statistics show a numerical drop, they do not reflect a reduction in relationship breakdowns — rather, they highlight the impact of new legal frameworks and economic pressures.

Why January Still Sees a Spike in Divorce Enquiries

Despite the statistical dip, the start of the year continues to be the busiest period for family law teams. January enquiries increase because:

• People avoid difficult conversations during the festive season
• Parents want to “keep Christmas normal” for children
• Couples want a clean break or a fresh start in the New Year
• Emotional clarity often arrives after time spent together (or apart)
• The return to routine creates the space to ask for help

In many cases, the decision has been forming for months – January simply becomes the moment to act.

How No-Fault Divorce Supports a Healthier Process

The no-fault divorce system was designed to reduce conflict and remove unnecessary blame. For separating couples, this can mean:

• a more constructive start to the process
• less emotional pressure
• reduced hostility between partners
• a clearer focus on practical arrangements
• more opportunity for mediation

Where it is safe and appropriate, mediation can help couples resolve financial and child-related issues without court involvement, saving time, money and stress.

Supporting Clients Through One of Life’s Most Difficult Transitions

At Vyman Solicitors, we understand that reaching out for advice is often the hardest step. Every individual we support has a unique story shaped by emotional strain, financial pressures and a desire for stability.

My role – and my team’s – is to provide:

• clarity around your legal options
• a non-judgmental space to talk openly
• expert guidance on no-fault divorce
• support through the reflection period
• practical advice on finances, children and housing
• sensitive handling of every conversation

Behind every enquiry is a person seeking calm, certainty and a path forward. We take that responsibility seriously.

If You Are Struggling After the Holidays, You Are Not Alone

Whether you are contemplating separation, rebuilding after a difficult festive season or simply looking for guidance, early legal advice can help you feel more in control.

January may bring a rise in divorce enquiries, but behind every statistic is someone trying to make the right decision for themselves – and for their family.

If you are considering your next steps and would value a confidential conversation, our Family Law team is here to support you with sensitivity, expertise and care.

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About Vyman Solicitors

Located in North West London, Vyman Solicitors provides a comprehensive range of legal services, including Corporate & Commercial Property Law, Litigation, Residential and Conveyancing Law, Family Law, Private Client and Immigration. Known for its commitment to personalised client support and legal excellence, Vyman is a trusted partner for businesses and individuals alike.

Follow Vyman Solicitors on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Not every relationship ends in a dramatic split. Some remain intact on paper but quietly grow apart in practice. At Vyman Solicitors, we often meet individuals who have lived like this for years – partners whose relationships are no longer in crisis, but which are no longer connected either.

There’s no fighting, but also no growth. No volatility, but also no closeness. Instead, there’s routine, companionship, and often – silence.

Emotional Distance: When Life Becomes Logistics
Some couples reach a point where their relationship becomes more about managing life – children, careers, finances – than living it together emotionally. This isn’t failure. For many, it’s a form of coping, and for some, it works.

But for others, emotional distance turns into quiet loneliness. The “stuckness” can feel hard to name, let alone confront.

Lisa Spitz, a psychotherapist and counsellor in private practice, explains:

“People stay in relationships for all sorts of valid reasons – security, children, cultural expectations. But over time, emotional distance can become painful if one or both partners feel their needs are no longer being met. Fear of change keeps many people where they are – but that’s not a moral failing, it’s a human response.”

Why People Stay – And Why That’s Okay
There’s a powerful myth that all long-term relationships must be emotionally fulfilling at all times. But relationships evolve. Sometimes, stability or companionship becomes the foundation. And that’s okay, so long as both parties agree.

What causes strain is when one person begins to grow, reflect, or change – and the other doesn’t. Disconnection deepens. Resentment may follow. And sometimes, the emotional distance becomes too wide to bridge.

Is Change Still Possible?
Absolutely, but it starts with honesty. Honest conversations. Honest reflection. And if both partners are willing, couples therapy can offer a structured, safe space to explore what’s still possible.

As Lisa notes,

“Counselling only works when both partners are open to looking inward. Blame never helps. But curiosity and vulnerability can move even the most stuck relationships.”

When It’s Time to Consider a Different Path
Not every relationship can – or should – be salvaged. Sometimes, the most respectful decision is to part ways with care, especially when staying causes more pain than leaving.

Zharna Sutaria, Head of Family Law at Vyman Solicitors, shares:

“Often, our clients aren’t angry, they’re exhausted. They’ve quietly accepted a life that no longer fits, and they’re unsure what’s next. We support them not just legally, but as people making a brave, often difficult decision.”

Moving Forward, With Support
Whether you’re considering repair or separation, the first step is often the hardest: acknowledging that something isn’t working.

From a legal perspective, we can help clarify your options. From a human perspective, we’re here to support your next chapter with empathy, respect, and discretion.

Speak to our Family Law team in confidence:
info@vyman.co.uk | 020 8427 9080

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About Vyman Solicitors

Located in North West London, Vyman Solicitors provides a comprehensive range of legal services, including Corporate & Commercial Property Law, Litigation, Residential and Conveyancing Law, Family Law, Private Client and Immigration. Known for its commitment to personalised client support and legal excellence, Vyman is a trusted partner for businesses and individuals alike.

Follow Vyman Solicitors on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Legal insights from Zharna Sutaria, (Head of Family Law, Vyman Solicitors) with psychological perspectives from Lisa Spitz (Counsellor & Psychotherapist)

Mental Health Awareness Week (12th to 18th May) is a timely reminder that what we don’t see can matter just as much as what we do – especially during life transitions like divorce.

While emotional strain affects everyone, this piece focuses on men’s mental health, where societal silence and stigma can often make things harder.

At Vyman Solicitors, we frequently support male clients who are navigating high-stakes separations – many of them successful, capable and outwardly composed. But behind that, there’s often an emotional weight that’s quietly carried.

For these men, divorce isn’t just a legal event – it can feel like a loss of identity, routine, and control. And while issues like finance and parenting take centre stage, the emotional impact often goes unspoken.

Zharna Sutaria, Head of Family Law at Vyman Solicitors, shares:

“Family law isn’t just about legal frameworks. We often see clients who are holding emotional pain quietly. They’re trying to keep it together, but inside they may feel lost, anxious or ashamed. It’s something we need to speak about openly.”

The Unseen Cost of Relationship Breakdown

According to the Office for National Statistics, suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK, with a rate of 17.2 deaths per 100,000. While divorce alone doesn’t cause mental illness, it can be a powerful trigger – particularly when combined with silence and stigma.

Lisa Spitz, a psychotherapist and counsellor in private practice, explains:

“For many men, the end of a marriage isn’t just the loss of a partner – it’s the loss of identity, routine, and a future they once envisioned. It can feel like they’re failing at life – and that shame is incredibly hard to express.”

Rather than grieve openly, many men turn to coping mechanisms – alcohol, overworking, or jumping quickly into new relationships. As Lisa notes:

“They’ve often never been encouraged to sit with their emotions. Instead, they stay in action. But the pain doesn’t disappear – it just goes underground.”

Why Mental Health Matters in Legal Strategy

At Vyman Solicitors, we understand that emotional wellbeing directly affects legal clarity. A client overwhelmed by stress may struggle to make decisions, evaluate risk, or prioritise what matters most.

Zharna says:

“Sometimes, the most important thing we can do is pause. We guide clients through the legal process, but we also recognise when they might need emotional support. Working with professionals like Lisa ensures our clients are not just legally protected – but emotionally supported too.”

A More Human Approach to Divorce

Lisa and Zharna agree: healing starts when we stop expecting men to be invulnerable.

“What many men need isn’t just legal advice – it’s permission to feel,” says Lisa. “When lawyers and therapists work together, we reduce conflict, increase understanding, and ultimately achieve better outcomes – both personally and legally.”

If you’re going through a separation and feel like you’re carrying it all alone, you’re not.

At Vyman Solicitors, we’re here to guide you with clarity, discretion, and care. And where needed, we work closely with expert counsellors to ensure you get the holistic support you deserve.

Speak to our Family Law team in confidence:
info@vyman.co.uk | 020 8427 9080

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About Vyman Solicitors

Located in North West London, Vyman Solicitors provides a comprehensive range of legal services, including Corporate & Commercial Property Law, Litigation, Residential and Conveyancing Law, Family Law, Private Client and Immigration. Known for its commitment to personalised client support and legal excellence, Vyman is a trusted partner for businesses and individuals alike.

Follow Vyman Solicitors on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.