In the recent case of Standish v Standish, the court ordered a huge reduction in the wife’s award of £45 million to £25 million on the basis of the husbands contribution to the marriage with assets he owned before the parties relationship. Does this mean that in every...
Family Law
Cheat’s Charter or Human Right?
The rules on using private information in divorce proceedings In financial proceedings in divorce in England and Wales, there is an absolute rule of comprehensive and ongoing disclosure of finances so that it is possible to negotiate a settlement or make an order...
Why do I have to pay my divorce solicitor when the marriage breakdown is all my spouse’s fault ?
Sarah was shocked to discover that her husband had been having an affair, with an entirely separate family with children, while he was away on business. She felt betrayed and angry - all the more so when her divorce lawyer explained that she would have to pay their...
The Art of Negotiation – Turning Court Proceedings into Constructive Solutions
#3 in a series of commentaries from the family law Courtroom. No names obviously, but a focus on the mechanics of many cases, which illustrate the many “routes to goal” available to the experienced family lawyer, seeking the most efficient and economic solution for...
Unveiling International Assets: A Family Law Courtroom Tale of Cross-Border Asset Recovery
#2 in a series of commentaries from the family law Courtroom. No names obviously, but a focus on the mechanics of many cases, which makes this experienced family lawyer despair of the system. SCENARIO: Husband holds assets abroad? All is not lost! In one recent case,...
Family Law Courtroom Chronicles: The Reality of Financial Orders in Divorce
#1 in a series of commentaries from the family law Courtroom. No names obviously, but a focus on the mechanics of many cases, which makes this experienced family lawyer despair of the system. FACT: Judges base their financial orders after a long marriage on the...
Possession is not 9/10 of the law in divorce!
You do not automatically lose your rights over the family home if you move out. Particularly where property is owned by both or either of you, your name on the title, or a matrimonial home rights notice registered at the Land Registry, will protect your position until...
Limited companies do not ring fence invested assets in divorce!
The family court will look at all assets, including the realisable income and capital value of any investment in a limited company when deciding upon a financial order in divorce proceedings. But the valuation must be fair and is best assessed by a neutral accountant....
“Divorce Rate Jumps to 8-Year High Amidst Lockdown”
The stresses of lockdown and the enforced concentration on their relationship without outside intervention has forced many couples to rethink their partnership and indeed lifestyle. Divorce rates spiked throughout England and Wales to the highest number in eight...