19.11.2015

The recent ruling by the Supreme Court for two women to receive greater divorce settlements because of how they were misled by their ex-partners could potentially open up the floodgates for more settlements to be renegotiated.

The two women in question – Alison Sharland and Varshil Gohil had both claimed that their former husbands had hidden the extent of their true wealth at the time of their divorce

After hearing the cases, the judges unanimously agreed that both ex-husbands had not fully disclosed their assets which included properties, businesses and salaries and that their deceit in these matters was not to be tolerated.

Initially, Alison Sharland was led to believe that her ex-husbands assets were worth somewhere between £30 million and £47 million when in fact it transpired that his assets were worth up to £1 billion. Her original settlement, which was dealt with three years ago, was more than £10 million in cash and properties but now that the full extent of his assets has been disclosed, Alison Sharland is now able to seek a bigger settlement.

Varshil Gohil’s original settlement dates back to over 10 years ago when she accepted £270,000 pus a car from her ex-husband. Now that the full extent of his assets at that time has been disclosed, she is able to seek redress.

At the time, both women entered into an agreement thinking it was a fair one so this will call into question how many other people who have been through a divorce may feel the same way. It is highly likely that others may feel that they have been significantly misled over previous divorce settlements and will potentially seek to bring their cases back to court.

It will be interesting to see over the coming months the impact that this new ruling will make.