Landmark Ruling in Divorce Cases

Two ex-wives, Alison Sharland and Varsha Gohil have succeeded in their battle to have their divorce settlements re-opened.

The Supreme Court in both cases decided that the women were entitled to have their financial settlements re-examined.   

The Judges were told that both Mrs Sharland and Mrs Gohil had reached agreements with their ex-husbands a number of years ago after beginning litigation.   It was their case that they had been misled.    In Mrs Sharland’s case she said that her ex-husband had misled her over the value of the business.     She had accepted more than £10million three years ago but she argued that the business had been undervalued at the time.    Mrs Gohil accepted £270,000.00 and the family car from her solicitor former husband in 2004.    In 2010 he was jailed for ten years for money laundering.   The Court was told that he had helped a millionaire Nigerian Politician to steal around £50million.    

The decision of the Supreme Court means that both women are now able to have their financial settlements re-examined and all new evidence which is now available to be considered.   

The judgment of the Supreme Court makes it clear that dishonesty is completely unacceptable.    Not only had the ex-wives in these cases been deceived but the Court had been as well. 

This decision will be of great interest to individuals who feel that their ex-partner may have tried to mislead them and the Court in financial proceedings.    It is also anticipated that the decision will make people think twice about intentionally failing to disclose their assets.   

Any more information about this or other Family Law matters contact Judith Fitzpatrick at judith@rdcsolicitors.co.uk     Telephone 01274 723858.   Alternatively visit our website at www.rdcsolicitors.co.uk