What are the guiding principles of the courts? ============================================== Sorting out the finances on divorce can be the most difficult part of marital breakdown to resolve. Over time, the family Court's approach to determining financial matters in divorce has evolved. To achieve a just outcome, the court takes into account the [section 25 factors](https://vardags.com/law-guide/how-the-courts-decide-a-financial-settlement/section-25-factors) in the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, and is guided by three main principles: [sharing](https://vardags.com/law-guide/how-the-courts-decide-a-financial-settlement/the-sharing-principle), [needs](https://vardags.com/law-guide/how-the-courts-decide-a-financial-settlement/the-needs-principle), and [compensation](https://vardags.com/law-guide/how-the-courts-decide-a-financial-settlement/the-principle-of-compensation). Each case varies in its circumstances, but the landmark judgment in [*White v White*](https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld199900/ldjudgmt/jd001026/white-1.htm) prioritised fairness in dividing finances post-divorce and ended discrimination based on roles as money-earner or homemaker. These three principles are interconnected and guide the judge in reaching a fair and equitable settlement. Among them, 'needs' holds particular significance as a paramount consideration in the pursuit of fairness. *Vardags' team of top divorce lawyers delivers a bespoke legal service to HNW and UHNW individuals, their families, and businesses.* **If you're considering or going through a divorce and want to know more about the guiding principles of the courts, click below for a free initial consultation with one of our expert divorce solicitors.** [BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact "BOOK FREE CONSULTATION") About Us -------- Ayesha VardagFounder & President "A DIVORCE LAWYER WIDELY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE WORLD'S BEST" The Metro Vardags offer a unique approach to the law, specially tailored to the needs of HNW individuals. We offer City-quality representation for your divorce and family law needs. Our lawyers come from the very best universities and receive the very best training - they are determined, diligent, and dedicated to getting the best outcome... [read more](https://vardags.com/about-us) [BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact) Related Reads ------------- ### How straightforward is the 'sharing principle'? Many people understand the term 'sharing principle' in the context of the 'equal distribution of... [READ MORE](https://vardags.com/family-law/the-sharing-principle "How straightforward is the 'sharing principle'?") ### Shares or needs? How to decide on maintenance awards Mrs Justice King has allowed a husband's appeal against a provision of an award in favour of his... [READ MORE](https://vardags.com/family-law/shares-or-needs "Shares or needs? How to decide on maintenance awards") ### Sharing, needs and compensation: navigating divorce settlements In family law there are three guiding principles for financial awards on divorce: sharing, needs... [READ MORE](https://vardags.com/family-law/sharing-needs-and-compensation "Sharing, needs and compensation: navigating divorce settlements") Related Guides -------------- [Clean Break Settlements](https://vardags.com/law-guide/how-the-courts-decide-a-financial-settlement/clean-break-settlements "Clean Break Settlements") [Miller v Miller; MacFarlane v MacFarlane](https://vardags.com/law-guide/important-divorce-cases/miller-macfarlane "Miller v Miller; MacFarlane v MacFarlane") [The Needs Principle in Divorce](https://vardags.com/law-guide/how-the-courts-decide-a-financial-settlement/the-needs-principle "The Needs Principle in Divorce") [The Principle of Compensation in Divorce](https://vardags.com/law-guide/how-the-courts-decide-a-financial-settlement/the-principle-of-compensation "The Principle of Compensation in Divorce") [The Sharing Principle in Divorce](https://vardags.com/law-guide/how-the-courts-decide-a-financial-settlement/the-sharing-principle "The Sharing Principle in Divorce") [Waggott v Waggott](https://vardags.com/law-guide/important-divorce-cases/waggot-v-waggot "Waggott v Waggott") [What am I entitled to if I divorce my husband?](https://vardags.com/law-guide/how-the-courts-decide-a-financial-settlement/what-am-i-entitled-to-if-i-divorce-my-husband "What am I entitled to if I divorce my husband?") [What factors will the courts consider when deciding a financial settlement?](https://vardags.com/law-guide/how-the-courts-decide-a-financial-settlement/section-25-factors "What factors will the courts consider when deciding a financial settlement?") [White v White](https://vardags.com/law-guide/important-divorce-cases/white-v-white "White v White") The information on this website is intended as a guide and does not constitute legal advice. Vardags do not accept liability for any errors in the information on this website, nor any losses stemming from reliance upon the statements made herein. All articles and pages aim to reflect the legal position at time they were published, and may have been rendered obsolete by subsequent developments in the law. Should you require specialist advice, tailored to your situation, please see how Vardags can help you.