Biggest UK Divorce Settlement

Proceedings are usually issued by the spouse who is the weakest party financially. This is because the law in England and Wales views the contribution of the homemaker in looking after the family and children as equal to that of the breadwinner. The homemaker, usually the wife, will often give up her career to support that of her husband, being available to move homes when necessary, entertain the husband’s clients and of course being there to look after the children and the home. For this reason, London is often seen as the divorce capital of the world.

In this case, the assets were substantial, including a yacht worth £260million, a helicopter and plane, various properties in different countries and an art collection worth £112million. The law in England and Wales provides for a starting point of equality so, in principle, the wife could have asked for £500million but she based her claim on her needs, which included £39.27million for a house in England, £27.8million for a home abroad, £5.36million a year to live on, the art collection and an Aston Martin worth £350,000. The total she claimed was £453million, a figure the judge felt was reasonable in the circumstances. To most of us that seems an astonishing amount to meet someone’s needs but this would also be based on their standard of living, a standard unimaginable to the majority of the population.

If you are looking for advice or are considering your options, please do get in touch on 01530 564498 or email a.wilding@timms-law.com

Alison Wilding
October 2017