White v White [2000] UKHL 54 – Page 2

Special contributions: Consigned to history?

Lisa Churchill highlights how the approach to special contributions has changed over the years and how such contributions have been quantified by the courts The courts are seemingly now more cautious in departing from equality due to the special contribution of one party. Special contribution in a marriage has often been a difficult argument to …

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International focus: Weighing up the options

Caroline McNally and Loretta Ho compare and contrast the provision for divorce and financial remedies in Hong Kong and England and Wales If a party obtained a financial remedies order in England and Wales, it can be enforced in Hong Kong either under common law or statute. Hong Kong has one of the highest percentages …

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Financial provision: Not-so-special

Catherine Doherty examines the approach to stellar contributions and whether such arguments are now largely obsolete ‘The Court of Appeal felt that it could only determine that there was not such a disparity in the parties’ respective contributions that it would be inequitable to disregard them when deciding what award to make.’ The decision of …

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Pensions: Lessons to be learnt

Andrew Smith highlights the first reported decision in which the Pension Advisory Group report has impacted on the approach of the court to pension assets ‘In the first reported case to feature specific reference to the PAG report, the judge drew heavily on the opinions within that report, stating that it should “be treated as …

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In practice: The winds of change

Suzanne Todd examines family law developments during the millennium so far and what the future holds ‘It is essential for family lawyers to have a bank of highly regarded therapists, counsellors and coaches to whom they can refer clients to ensure that they have the expert advice that they need.’ The 21st century has seen …

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Pensions: Equality or not?

James Copson looks at the recommendations in the Pension Advisory Group report and highlights the potential pitfalls when dealing with pension assets ‘It is much harder to achieve a fair outcome where there is a significant difference in the ages of the parties.’ An understanding of pensions is a must for every family lawyer working …

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Inheritance claims: Looking to the future

Simon Blain and Hannah Mantle consider whether nuptial agreements have a role to play as to the division of assets on death ‘Where such a qualifying agreement purports to preclude claims being made pursuant to I(PFD)A 1975, such a provision is likely to weigh heavily in the court’s decision-making process.’ Provision may be made within …

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Clarke v Allen & anr WTLR(w) 2019-10

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Business assets: Sharing the golden goose?

Henry Hood provides insight on the approach to private limited company assets, including valuation and methods of division ‘A clean break can be more difficult to achieve where a company is involved because sharing over time will commonly imply ongoing income payments and a deferred lump sum on sale, or as liquidity allows.’ Coleridge J’s …

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Conduct: Balancing the scales

Elizabeth Simos looks at issues of conduct and non-disclosure, and the impact where adverse inferences are drawn in needs cases ‘Arguments as to add-backs essentially come down to issues of conduct, namely conduct that it would, in the opinion of the court, be inequitable to disregard.’ Much to the dismay of ‘wronged’ spouses in England …

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