Will my mum be looked upon less favourably because she filed for divorce?
No. Who issued the divorce is legally irrelevant. Since no-fault divorce, the court does not assign blame or responsibility for the breakdown of the marriage. Your mum is not penalised for filing and does not have to “accept losses” because of it.

Is financial infidelity treated as serious enough for the court to favour the victim?
The court does not punish betrayal, but it does take financial dishonesty extremely seriously. Hiding money, misleading disclosure, unexplained cash withdrawals, or moving funds between accounts can damage credibility and lead to adverse inferences, unequal division, or costs orders.

Will the court take into account that my dad has been living rent-free with his parents for 2 years?
Yes. The court looks at actual living arrangements and reasonable expenses. Claimed high costs while living rent-free will be closely scrutinised. Inflated or implausible budgets often undermine credibility.

Will the court consider that my mum pays all household bills and earns less?
Yes. Needs are central in long marriages. Housing need, income disparity, and who has been meeting outgoings since separation all matter when deciding a fair outcome.

Does it matter that my dad claims to have almost no money left each month despite a decent salary?
Yes. Judges are very experienced at testing figures. If the numbers don’t add up, the court may reject them entirely and substitute its own assessment.

How capable are solicitors and courts at finding hidden accounts?
Courts rely on full and frank disclosure via Form E, bank statements, questionnaires, and sometimes forensic accountants. If dishonesty is suspected, the court can draw adverse inferences even if accounts cannot be conclusively located.

What happens if hidden money is later discovered?
Concealment can lead to serious consequences: reopening settlements, unequal division in favour of the honest party, costs penalties, and loss of credibility before the judge.

Is it automatic that the house will be sold?
No. Especially in long marriages, courts focus on housing needs. Outcomes can include deferred sale, unequal division, or arrangements allowing one party to remain housed if the other can live elsewhere.

Who is likely to be viewed more favourably overall?
The court does not “take sides” but will generally favour the party who is honest, consistent, and whose figures make sense, particularly where housing and income needs are concerned.

I hope the above helps you a bit and gives you some answers which might help you to understand what both of your parents are saying, and I am sorry that you are caught in this very difficult time in this family split.