Assumption: "I agreed to a lump sum — but the property is being sold and I didn't realise a percentage would have moved with the market."
1 min readThis content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
What People Expect
A lump sum is always the safer option because it gives you certainty.
Court Reality
If the property is being sold, a percentage ties your payout to the final sale price. That cuts both ways. If the value rises before completion, you benefit. If it falls, you receive less than the lump sum you were offered. A lump sum gives you certainty. A percentage gives you exposure — to gain or loss. Neither is automatically better. The right answer depends on the market, the likely sale timeline, and your appetite for risk.
Download the card and post it on Facebook, LinkedIn, or wherever you're active. Every share helps another litigant find this before their hearing.
The Gap?
"I agreed to a lump sum — but the property is being sold and I didn't realise a percentage would have moved with the market."
Court Reality
If the property is being sold, a percentage ties your payout to the final sale price. That cuts both ways. If the value rises before completion, you benefit. If it falls, you receive less than the lump sum you were offered. A lump sum gives you certainty. A percentage gives you exposure — to gain or loss. Neither is automatically better. The right answer depends on the market, the likely sale timeline, and your appetite for risk.
Experienced a gap between what you thought you knew about family court and the reality? Share your own and get credited.
familycourtbridge.org
Navigating court alone?
A McKenzie Friend can help you make sense of this in the context of your own case.
Find your supportCookie Consent
We use essential cookies only to provide you with the best experience on our website. No tracking or analytics cookies are used.