The landscape of family law is changing, and cases of economic abuse are becoming much more prevalent within financial proceedings.
Economic abuse (also known as financial abuse) is a form of domestic abuse. It constitutes any form of behaviour that has a substantially adverse effect on a victim’s ability to acquire, use or maintain money or other property or to obtain goods and services. It can have lifelong effects and diminish feelings of security and/confidence in victim survivors.
Common examples can include being financially cut off or unreasonably curtailed and unable to access resources or sufficient resources to meet interim living expenditure and to pay legal fees.
Other, more subtle examples of abuse can include deliberate delay by one party to the proceedings in providing financial disclosure, so as to enable advice to be given. Non-compliance with directions for interim funding applications or court orders can also perpetuate abuse.
If you are experiencing economic abuse, you are not alone. Our expert family law solicitors are vastly experienced in dealing with such cases and helping you to get back on an equal footing.
Depending on the circumstances of your cases and if we are unable to resolve matters with your spouse, we can support you in making appropriate applications to the Court. which initially will be on an interim basis. This may include funds for living expenditure (Maintenance Pending Suit) and/or contributions towards payment of your legal fees (Legal Services Payment Orders).
We can also guide you on how to plead such abuse in financial disclosure and discuss with you the overall impact it may have on your financial matter.
It is important to act quickly if you are facing economic abuse, delay can make the situation and our ability to resolve it more difficult.
It can be very daunting but please do feel comfortable to share any concerns you have in the first meeting with one of our team, we can then help you decide what action to take and help you on the road to independence.
Immediate family law support when it matters most.
Economic abuse can create significant stress and uncertainty about what to do next.
Whether you need urgent protection, legal advice or support with financial control issues, we prioritise your safety and the protection of your financial rights.
Our specialist team provides expert guidance and dedicated support at every stage, ensuring you are not alone in this challenging time.
Thomas Mansfield has an exceptional and highly collaborative team. Whenever my key point of contact has been away, issues are quickly picked up and dealt with by other members of the team, all of whom appear to have a great, collective and collaborative understanding of their clients’ issues.
It’s amazing that you have given us the opportunity to have the children back in our lives. We sat and talked for days about giving up, moving away but we have finally got there. It wouldn’t have been achievable without your help.
All the staff I had dealings were very professional and approachable. I would highly recommend Thomas Mansfield Family Law.
Great service and advice received throughout the entire divorce process.
My divorce was dealt with in a very professional manner. I felt very looked after and cared for, during what was a difficult time.
From the start everyone at Thomas Mansfield was very professional and approachable, as well as be willing to answer any questions that I had.
Hollie is efficient with her time and has a common sense approach to charging. She is empathetic whilst being completely professional at all times.
Hollie has been fabulous helping me through a difficult time. Always there when I needed advice and so helpful, sensitive and understanding.
Thank you for all of your support provided to this stage of my case, your experience and knowledge has been extremely helpful.
These past few months have been extremely stressful, but knowing Hollie is there to help me navigate these difficult divorce waters has helped me immensely.
Hollie has the perfect balance of professionalism and genuine care for her clients.
Thomas Mansfield Solicitors has given great advice, clear explanations and been very thorough and professional in their work.
Efficient team, easy to work with – they have gone above and beyond to help in my case.
I would definitely recommend Thomas Mansfield to anyone going through divorce.
Kate's advice was excellent and nothing was too much trouble - she worked outside office hours to assist me urgently.
I really cannot thank Kate enough. There is no way I would be in the position I am now without her help and expertise.
Great advice and prompt communication by Kate really helped alleviate a stressful process.
The service I have received from Kate Rayner at Thomas Mansfield has been second to none!
The process of a getting divorced is unpleasant and unfamiliar, and so it is important to have quality, compassionate and clear advice. Thomas Mansfield offered this in abundance and together we were able to navigate the unsavoury business as efficiently and as effectively possible.
My divorce was very difficult and I was supported brilliantly throughout from both a legal and empathetic perspective by Kate and the team at Thomas Mansfield Solicitors.
Kate was friendly and approachable and always able to provide sound advice that helped to move things forward. I highly recommend the services provided.
Service and efficiency. Compassion and transparency
Kate and her team are no nonsense and understanding. They smoothly navigated me through the turmoil. Kate is empathetic, to the point and efficient, at the same time as being on your side.
I had put off seeing a solicitor about my unhappy marriage for years but Kate put me at ease and inspired confidence to move forward.
I’ve been extremely impressed with the service from Kate and the speed with which she acted on my case.
Kate handled my divorce, and did so with amazing professionalism and understanding.
My initial consultation was very informative. Communication was always excellent and the time zone difference was always considered.
Professional, discreet and knowledgeable. I couldn’t have asked for a better service.
Excellent matrimonial and family law advisers and advocates.
Their advice is always excellent, behaviour is always professional, and you genuinely feel they want they best for the client as opposed to making money from them.
Fantastic experience in dealing with a matter, I absolutely recommend Thomas Mansfield should you need some legal advice.
The team have been amazing, explained everything along the way and gave me great advice with my international divorce.
I have been comforted by excellent insight and a calm and effective service. The team provides succinct communication which is action-orientated and targeted towards the objective.
Fantastic service, fast response. Would recommend TM to anybody looking for legal assistance.
Everything was done virtually and my solicitor kept me fully informed throughout. I would definitely recommend Thomas Mansfield for anyone needing a family lawyer.
Clear communications, and an honest and authentic response to challenging questions. They also listen, and properly listen to concerns. I would highly recommend Thomas Mansfield.
My experience of dealing with individuals at the firm is that they demonstrate a great amount of empathy, care and tact at dealing with tricky family law issues.
Simplicity, listening and professionalism! At a very stressful time (involving French and UK laws) the whole process was made clear, helpful and concise.
My situation wasn't an easy one being that it was an international case as well, but Thomas Mansfield Solicitors was brilliant and kept me informed along the way and made it a painless resolution and I can't thank you enough.
Thomas Mansfield have been amazing and truly supportive company when dealing with my situation. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who has any family issues.
From a client's perspective a perfect blend of empathy, professionalism, pragmatism and commitment to giving her all to achieving the best results.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your diligence and invaluable assistance throughout this process. Your support has been greatly appreciated.
I had an excellent experience working with Connor during my divorce proceedings. He was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the entire process.
From the very beginning I felt as if Connor McKee knew his job back to front, had my best interests at heart (even when he occasionally had to tell me that such and such was unrealistic, unreasonable or unwise) and was a thoroughly reassuring ally throughout.
Connor explained everything clearly, kept me informed at every stage, and handled all matters efficiently and with great attention to detail.
Connor helped me to reach a fair result in the fastest time possible. I never felt as if I was just another client. I felt, instead, as if I were a priority. My divorce was in extremely good hands and has ended as well as it could.
Kate Rayner handled my divorce with kindness and understanding whilst at the same time giving me the confidence to advocate for myself in mediation.
As stressful as having to use a family law solicitor firm is in the first place regarding child arrangement, I can wholeheartedly say that Thomas Manfield and Connor McKee in particular has done everything to make it less so. Connor is extremely knowledgeable, experienced, always calm and laser focused on finding a solution.
I would highly recommend Sophie for her professionalism, expertise, and consistent support throughout what was a complex financial matter. Sophie provided clear guidance, explained the process thoroughly, and ensured that I understood my options at every stage. She was responsive, approachable, and handled the situation with great attention to detail.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Non-Molestation Order and who can apply for it?
A Non-Molestation Order is a protective injunction used to prevent an individual from harassing, intimidating or threatening a victim or their children. Anyone experiencing abuse from a partner, ex-partner or family member can apply. This order can prohibit contact or any form of abuse to safeguard the victim.
What is an Emergency Protection Order and when is it necessary?
An Emergency Protection Order (EPO) is a legal measure that grants temporary protection to a child who is at risk of harm or abuse. It allows a child to be removed from their current environment or restricts certain individuals from contacting the child. An EPO is necessary in situations where a child’s safety is immediately threatened, and urgent intervention is required.
How quickly can an Emergency Protection Order be obtained?
Emergency Protection Orders can be obtained very quickly, often within hours if there is an imminent risk to the child’s welfare. The court prioritises these cases, and immediate evidence of danger to the child must be presented for the order to be granted.
How long does a Non-Molestation Order last and can it be extended?
A Non-Molestation Order typically lasts for a specified period, such as six months or one year, but it can be extended if there is still a risk of harm. The court will review the circumstances and decide on the necessity of an extension.
What is an Occupation Order and what protection does it offer?
An Occupation Order determines who can live in or return to a family home. It can exclude an abuser from the property entirely or regulate who occupies different areas of the home. Occupation Orders can provide legal protection and a safe living environment.
Under what circumstances can I apply for an Occupation Order?
You can apply for an Occupation Order if you are experiencing domestic abuse or threats in your home. The court considers factors like the housing needs of both parties, the conduct of the abuser and the welfare of any children involved when making a decision.
What is financial abuse and how can the law protect me?
Financial abuse involves controlling a person’s access to financial resources, making them financially dependent on the abuser. This can include restricting spending, taking control of bank accounts or preventing a person from earning an income. Legal protection can come in the form of restraining orders, financial relief measures or specific protective orders.
What is economic abuse and how does it differ from financial abuse?
Economic abuse is a form of domestic abuse that includes not only financial control but also interference with economic resources like employment, housing or education. While financial abuse focuses on controlling money, economic abuse covers broader economic stability, such as sabotaging employment opportunities or controlling property.
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Family matters often involve important decisions about your future and your children. Our experienced family law solicitors provide thoughtful, specialist advice tailored to your circumstances.
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