Demanding someone drop a court case and threatening they’ll “get nothing” in the divorce unless they do — can amount to coercive/controlling behaviour, threats, blackmail or undue pressure. It can be criminal and it will also affect family/civil proceedings (and the safety of the person pressured). Crown Prosecution Service+1

Below I’ve summarised what that means in practice, what to do right away, and concrete wording and evidence steps you (or someone you’re helping) can use.

What it likely is legally

• Under UK law persistent threats or using pressure to control another in a relationship can be prosecuted as controlling or coercive behaviour (Serious Crime Act 2015). The police/CPS can pursue it where there is sufficient evidence. Crown Prosecution Service
• In Spain (and broadly across civil law systems) threatening, blackmail, coercion or emotional extortion can be criminal (threats, coacciones, chantaje/extorsión) and also form part of domestic/violence claims — lawyers in Spain treat threats to interfere with legal rights (e.g., custody, reporting conduct) seriously. Ródenas Abogados+1
• In family courts, evidence of coercive or controlling conduct can be considered when deciding financial orders, child arrangements and safety measures — and a settlement agreed under duress or undue influence can be challenged or set aside. Courts expect fair, voluntary agreements. Major Family Law+1

Practical risks of agreeing to drop a case under threat

• You may be giving up legal protections or crucial evidence (criminal or civil) in exchange for a promise that can later be denied.
• Signing under coercion can later be challenged, but proving duress needs good evidence. Don’t assume the other party will honour an informal “deal.” Get Court Ready

What to do immediately (step-by-step)

1. Don’t sign anything while pressured. If someone tells you “sign this or you’ll get nothing”, that is a red flag for duress.
2. Get independent legal advice immediately. A family / criminal solicitor can explain whether the behaviour meets criminal thresholds and how to protect you in the financial proceedings. (If in Spain, contact a penal/family lawyer.) SRA+1
3. Preserve evidence (safely): save texts, emails, voice messages, WhatsApp logs, screenshots, dates, times, witnesses and any documents showing the threat or the conditional offer. Evidence is vital for both criminal and family court routes. Get Court Ready
4. Consider reporting to police if threats are serious. If the pressure includes explicit threats, blackmail, or attempts to obstruct justice, police can investigate criminal offences (threats, coercion, blackmail, controlling behaviour). Crown Prosecution Service+1
5. Tell your solicitor so safety / disclosure steps are built into the family case. Courts can refuse to accept settlements reached under coercion and can make protective orders or adjust financial outcomes when abuse is shown. Major Family Law
6. Use a support organisation if it’s part of domestic abuse. Rights/advice charities and domestic-abuse services can help with safety planning, evidence, and referrals. Rights of Women

Evidence checklist (what to collect)

• Screenshots/saved messages of the threat or demand (with timestamps).
• Voicemails/recordings (check local law about recording calls).
• Witness names who heard threats or saw behaviour.
• Any prior history of controlling/isolating behaviour that shows pattern.
• Financial documents showing sudden attempts to remove access or threaten finances. Get Court Ready

Short scripts you can use or adapt

If you feel safe replying and want to create a record, use neutral, non‑escalatory wording such as:

• “I will not sign or agree to anything while I am being pressured/threatened. I will get independent legal advice.”
• “If you continue to threaten or try to coerce me, I will report the behaviour to my solicitor and the police.”
  If you’re worried violence may follow, do not reply — preserve evidence and get help from police/your solicitor.

How this affects the divorce process

• Family courts take coercive control and domestic abuse into account when ordering finances and child arrangements; allegations supported by evidence can change outcomes (protective measures, different financial orders, findings about conduct). Major Family Law
• Agreements or settlements signed under duress can sometimes be set aside — but that usually requires good documentary evidence and legal argument. 3djb.co.uk

If you’re the person being pressured — safety first

• If there is any immediate danger, call emergency services.
• If you’re at risk of financial sabotage (bank access removed, threats re: children), tell your solicitor and ask for urgent protective steps (injunctions, freezing orders, or emergency applications).
• Use domestic-abuse support services for safety planning and emotional support. Rights of Women+1