October 14, 2015

Women win their legal battle over divorce settlements

Alison Sharland and Varsha Gohil had launched a legal battle after claiming that their former partners had concealed details about the size of their respective fortunes.

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

“I hope that [the court’s] decision sends out a message to everyone going through a divorce,” said Ms Sharland.

“My legal battle has never been about the money, it has always been a matter of principle.

“I entered into an agreement with my estranged husband thinking that it was a fair one.”

The 48-year-old, from Wilmslow, had previously received £10million following her split from software entrepreneur Charlie Sharland.

However she subsequently claimed that her ex-husband had misled her about his company’s true value and plans he had to float the business on the stock market.

Today’s judgment is expected to pave the way for further divorce settlements to be reopened.

The legal profession had been sympathetic to the ladies’ argument that individuals who try to conceal their circumstances in the court room should face the consequences, although solicitors have said it is important that today’s ruling makes completely clear the grounds on which a party may seek to renegotiate a previous settlement.

To find out more about the family services we provide, please contact Patrick Hart from our Family Law team today.

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