A wife who sacrificed her career for her family has won her claim in divorce proceedings, securing an equal share of the marital assets, totalling several million pounds.

Background of the Case

The case involved a couple, both successful accountants, who married in 2007 and had two children. When they met, both were high earners. However, the wife decided to give up her flourishing career to focus on raising their family. The judge highlighted that her career had been on an “immensely successful trajectory” prior to this decision.

The Dispute

Upon deciding to divorce, the husband offered the wife a lump sum of £3.54 million, claiming it was sufficient to meet her needs. The wife contested this, arguing that the marital assets should be divided equally to compensate her for the career she sacrificed.

Court’s Decision

Judge Francis ruled in favour of the wife, stating: “Any analysis of this case must conclude that the wife terminated what was already a glittering career at the age of only thirty-seven, for reasons directly connected with her relationship with the husband. In my judgement if this is not marriage-generated disadvantage, then that concept has no place in our law.”

He further noted, “I have no difficulty in finding that it is more likely than not that but for the sacrifices referred to above, the wife would now have very substantial wealth held in her own name.”

Outcome

The court assessed the couple’s marital assets at £13,789,582 and ordered a fifty-fifty split. This decision ensures that the wife is fairly compensated for the significant sacrifices she made during the marriage.

Case Reference
Wife Wins Equal Share of Marital Assets in Divorce Case
AT v BT
EWHC 3531
November, 2023
Francis J