The Daily Express, eprivateclient and Today’s Family Lawyer quote Miranda Fisher on what the UK Autumn Budget means for separating couples
min readAfter months of chaotic speculation, ‘kite flying’, predictions and U-turns, the UK Chancellor has today delivered her second Budget.
Today’s announcements will have a knock-on impact on divorced or separated couples – particularly with regards to the introduction of the mansion tax, income tax freeze and changes to pension taxation.
Miranda Fisher, Family Partner, comments for the Daily Express:
The Chancellor’s announcements today will have a profound and immediate impact on families going through separation or divorce.
"Many couples have remained stuck in a family home they can’t sell due to the property market freeze caused by Treasury leaks over the last few months, all of which have caused detrimental emotional impact on the families and children concerned. Whilst not set to be formally introduced until 2028, the mansion tax rise announced in today’s budget will do nothing to increase liquidity and will impact the housing needs of both parties.
"All of this has a knock-on effect in settlement negotiations; where parties had reached agreement on housing arrangements and maintenance, many will now need to revisit those discussions.
"Changes to pension taxation and withdrawal rules will also disrupt many pension sharing arrangements. Orders that were carefully modelled to ensure fairness and financial independence may now need to be revisited, requiring fresh analysis and expert input. And, freezing income tax thresholds intensifies “fiscal drag,” reducing net take‑home pay as earnings rise into higher bands.
"Ultimately, this Budget has made divorce and separation more costly, more complex, and more emotionally draining. These reforms, while fiscally driven, will have deeply personal consequences for the thousands of people trying to navigate family breakdown.
Read the full piece in the Daily Express here.
