the dreaded D word....

**MarillionFan** · 15 June 2015, 11:16

Originally posted by baronne View Post

Hi folks,
Am about to venture down the road to divorce and am just looking for any advice on what to do from a contracting/company perspective. Currently the STBX is a 50% shareholder of my limited company. I want to do things amicably, but ideally don't want to keep her involved in my business affairs post-divorce. Any advice/contacts etc. would be greatly appreciated.

cheers,
b

Sorry to hear this. I have no advice except to say,if the poster Brillopad offers any advice, do the opposite.

**I just need to test it** · 15 June 2015, 11:21

It's a noble goal, striving to keep things amicable. Her solicitor will be livid at that kind of talk.

I have nothing constructive to add other than to wish you both well.

**MicrosoftBob** · 15 June 2015, 11:23

As soon as practical start another company to have a clean break going forward, on your next contract/renewal use the new company

Anything else really depends on how amicable the split is and what happens when lawyers start getting involved

**original PM** · 15 June 2015, 11:26

Indeed - I hope it is amicable as then maybe you can get her to agree to keep lawyer involvement to an absolute minimum.

Their sole interest in your divorce is making as much money for themselves as possible - they do not care about you, they do not care about your missus.

In essence they will happily profit from your misery.

**TykeMerc** · 15 June 2015, 11:28

I think you need some serious professional advice on what you can realistically do with the company and the shares. Closing the company to then open another one with a different share distribution could be a candidate for the phoenixing legislation, but you need proper advice on that. Plus of course if you've been paying her salary and dividends she can argue that you're taking her living away.

I can only wish you the best as divorce is nasty enough without the complications of a company involved.

**gables** · 15 June 2015, 11:31

I'm sorry to hear this and I do hope it's amicable, mine started that way (just completed) but ended up very un-amicable, it's not just lawyers, she'll have friends who will say 'you can go after x y and z...'

On a practical note you have two choices; buy back her share or start a new company, I'd start a new company as option 1 might not happen depending on how amicable things stay. Start the company yourself, only costs 15 quid.

**baronne** · 15 June 2015, 11:52

Thanks for the suggestions. I just need to ensure there is a line drawn in the sand. Currently I have suggested she has the home (where my children and her will continue to reside) - there's not a lot of equity in it, so not fussed. But I have said I am willing to obviously pay child maintenance, but she is talking about spousal maintenance, etc. etc. What's annoying is that I have been out working, effectively earning for two. My oldest is at school full time and my youngest in creche 4 days per week and has been for the past couple of years. And yes I hear you all ask the question - what does she do in the 4 days off? well.... nothing and I think that started to irk me as I know full well she could have got going with something.

Bottom line for me is that I am clear on splitting everything as is (including business, shares, etc.) and some sort of fair share, but I don't want to be furnishing her lifestyle for the rest of time. I will most certainly be forming a new company as soon as possible.

**Dallas** · 15 June 2015, 11:58

>>well.... nothing

running the home can be a full time job. It will be interesting to see how that pans out for both of you:

You realising the ironing fairies dont exist and her getting off her a$$/justifying that she is your ironing fairy 'accustomed to a lifestyle' you provided and will expect to continue to do.
Have you asked her about getting a job/stopping paying for the creche?

**baronne** · 15 June 2015, 12:08

we have talked about work, jobs etc. - In fact I have over the past encouraged her to get going. She works as a self-employed holistic therapist. I've quite recently just paid £2700 for her to go on a course which should lead to her getting her own business and income going. As far as washing and ironing goes... I'm coping well with that

- I agree, running the home can be full time, but doesn't always have to be - I've offered to get in the services of a cleaner to lighten the load if necessary...
Anyway, I think I've vented enough here.... thanks again for the feedback folks.

the dreaded D word....