A recent Family Court decision has underlined the significance of parenting roles in divorce proceedings, with a judge awarding a greater portion of the couple’s financial assets to the wife due to her responsibilities as the primary carer of their twin sons.

District Judge Hatvany presided over the case, which involved a 58-year-old wife and her 60-year-old husband. The couple share nine-year-old twin boys, who continue to live with their mother following the separation.

In finalising the settlement, Judge Hatvany ruled that the wife would receive £935,000 from the sale of the former matrimonial home—representing 53% of the equity—to enable her to secure appropriate housing close to the children’s school. The court acknowledged that her ongoing childcare responsibilities would limit her ability to increase her income substantially in the short term.

“The wife will remain the primary carer for the twins for the foreseeable future,” the judge stated, highlighting the need for housing stability and continued involvement in the children’s day-to-day lives.

Under the order, the husband will pay £3,000 per month in combined spousal and child maintenance until the twins reach adulthood.

A key asset in the case was the husband’s stunt coordination business, in which the wife held a 30% stake. As part of the financial settlement, she will transfer her interest in the business back to him. The judge accepted that the husband had a greater income-generating capacity, despite his claims of financial setbacks due to recent industry strikes.

While the husband works in the TV and film sector, the wife is a children’s book illustrator, a profession that allows flexibility to manage childcare but offers more modest earnings. The court rejected suggestions that she should seek alternative employment, recognising her specialist skills and dedication to raising the twins.

The ruling also encouraged both parents to adopt a more cooperative approach:

“You will have to learn to co-parent in a civilised way so your children can be happy and not feel conflicted,” said Judge Hatvany.

The judgment strikes a careful balance between financial fairness and practical parenting realities, demonstrating how UK courts give weight to the welfare of children and the contributions of stay-at-home or lower-earning carers during divorce.