Mum’s divorce payout ‘could have implications’

A WOMAN who curtailed her career as a solicitor so she could look after her children has won a family court compensation fight that could have future implications, a lawyer has said.

The woman was embroiled in a fight over cash with her millionaire estranged husband, who is also a solicitor, following the breakdown of their marriage.

A judge has now decided the pair, who were married for about ten years and have two children, should split assets of nearly £10 million.

Mr Justice Moor said the woman, who was educated at Cambridge University, should also get another £400,000 in compensation for curtailing her legal career.

Lawyer Jane Keir, of Kingsley Napley LLP, represented the woman and said the case could have implications for similar cases in the future.

“We are delighted to have secured a successful outcome for our client,” she said.

“As a talented lawyer, our client sacrificed a potentially lucrative career for her family, and we are pleased that Mr Justice Moor agreed.

“Although Mr Justice Moor has made clear this decision should not open the floodgates to a raft of rdisadvantage claims, the judgment affirms that in truly exceptional circumstances the principle of compensation still exists in family law.

“In theory, this would apply to whichever partner steps back in their career, putting family ahead of ambition and earning power.”

Mr Justice Moor said his decision to make such a compensation award was exceptional but concluded there had been “relationship-generated disadvantage” and the man had enjoyed a “stellar” career.