'Get a job' Judge tells wife

This is a case which has been widely reported in the press and has been the subject of much comment.  In the case, the Court of Appeal judge said that it is 'imperative that the wife go out to work and support herself'.

In the case, in 2008 the wife of a millionaire horse surgeon received on her divorce a mortgage free home worth £450,000, stables and £75,000 per year for maintenance and school fees.  The husband applied to reduce this sum on the basis that he would not be able to continue to make payments at this level into his retirement and the court held in his favour.

The judge also said: 'The wife had done nothing since 2008 to look for work, retrain or to prepare herself for work.' And 'There is a general expectation that, once children are in year two, mothers can begin part-time work and make a financial contribution.'

It is clear that this is what can be described as a 'big money' divorce and may not directly affect most divorcing couples. However it is an important indicator that the courts will not see maintenance for a spouse for life as the norm and it will be necessary for the non-earning party to prepare themselves for work after divorce.

If you want to know your rights in this area and what is a reasonable financial provision to expect on your divorce, contact us.