Supreme Court ruling could have a considerable impact on divorce law

The family law team at City-based solicitors Royds LLP have said that a landmark ruling could have significant implications for future divorce battles.

The Supreme Court last week ruled in favour of two women who had claimed to have been misled about their ex-husbands’ finances.

Alison Sharland and Varsha Gohil argued that the information which had come to light since their respective divorce proceedings meant they should be entitled to larger divorce settlements.

Giving judgment, Judge Lady Hale indicated that both their cases would now return to the High Court for new settlements to be negotiated.

Patrick Hart, Partner and head of Royds’ Family Law Department, said: “The outcome of this case could have a considerable impact, with many more people seeking to have their divorce settlements reopened.

“The Supreme Court has indicated that in cases where there is a suspicion that assets have been concealed, there may be grounds for the previous agreement to be torn up and a new settlement considered.

“This once again emphasises the importance of parties being completely honest about their circumstances during a divorce. If a court later suspects that an individual has not been truthful, there could be significant consequences.”