In The News: Divorce Settlements

Two women claiming they were misled by their ex-husbands in their divorce settlements have won in Supreme Court this week. 

Invalid settlements

Ms Alison Sharland and Ms Varsha Gohil have both claimed that their ex-husbands hid the extent of their wealth during divorce proceedings, and the Supreme Court have now ruled in their favour.  

Ms Sharland accepted what she believed to be half of her husband’s fortune – £10m – only to discover at a later date that the worth of his software company estimated to be £600m. Ns Gohil accepted a settlement of £270,000 and a car from her husband, but when her husband was convicted of money laundering it was discovered that he had failed to disclose his true wealth to his ex-wife. 

A new precedent in family law?

Both Ms Sharland and Ms Gohil, as well as the Supreme Court, have indicated that their claims will return to High Court as a consequence of the Supreme Court ruling. If the High Court rules in their favour both women could receive a higher settlement. 

The Supreme Court ruling could set a new precedent in family law, ensuring that divorce settlements have to be based on a valid agreement. If dishonesty can be proved, the other party can petition the court to have their settlement considered again. 

This Supreme Court ruling could see many couples revisiting their divorce settlements, but the ruling does not guarantee changed agreements.

Get in touch if you need to discuss any family disputes.

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