What happens to the family business in divorce?

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If you or your partner own a business, divorce can feel especially daunting. 😟

Is the business up for grabs? Will it need to be sold? Could it affect your livelihood — or your children’s future?

In this episode, we dive into one of the most anxiety-provoking questions people ask during separation: what actually happens to the family business when you divorce? 💼⚖️

Marie Kilgallen, Partner at Irwin Mitchell, is an experienced family lawyer with over 20 years advising on complex financial cases, breaks it all down in clear, practical terms — no legal waffle, just answers to the questions keeping you awake at night.

🎧 We explore:

  • 🤔 Is a business always treated as a marital asset in divorce?
  • 💰 How is a business valued — and who decides what it’s worth?
  • 🏢 What happens if both spouses work in the business? Can one force the other out?
  • ⚖️ If one partner built the business, does the other still have a claim?
  • 🤝 What real-life settlement options are on the table (without destroying the business)?
  • 🛡️ Practical steps business owners can take before or during marriage to protect their company

This episode is for you if:

  • You’re an entrepreneur going through divorce
  • Your family income depends on a business
  • You’re worried about fairness, stability, and keeping things running day to day
  • You want clarity before making big (and costly) decisions

✨ Knowledge is power — especially when so much is at stake. Tune in to feel more informed, more prepared, and less alone.

Need help negotiating complex financial agreements on divorce?

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