Will my ex pay my costs if I “win”?

In family law, it is not about winning and losing, it is about reaching a settlement that suits both parties and ensures the children are financially looked after. Courts do not generally order one party to pay the other’s costs when dealing with a financial case so the costs of proceeding should be factored into negotiations. Costs can mount up quickly and it is important to concentrate on what is important and not argue about who has the fruit dishes (yes, it does happen!) If one party behaves unreasonably either before or during the court proceedings, then the court will order that person to pay the costs in relation to that behaviour, eg, if one party refuses to negotiate sensibly leading unnecessary costs being incurred. Sometimes, instead of ordering that party to pay the other’s costs, the other party will be awarded a greater chunk of the matrimonial pot. The main thing to remember is that whatever the pot of money being argued about is, it reduces by legal bills and everyone really just wants the family to be able to divide the money between them

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