No meal ticket for life
The Court of Appeal has told the ex-wife of a millionaire racehorse vet, she could not have a meal ticket for life at her husband’s expense and she should get a job.
This has repercussions not just for multi-millionaires but it brings more routine cases in line with Scotland and Europe where generous long-term maintenance payments are discouraged and the parties are encouraged to get work and stand on their own feet.
Tracey Wright, 51, said she should not have to work but the Judge said that could not go on indefinitely especially after his retirement at 65.
Where a mother pleads that the children will miss her and suffer, Judges will often take a more robust view as working mothers are more and more acceptable in society. Indeed such a mother may prove to be an excellent role model.
It is usually possible to find work to fit in with children’s needs (the child in the Wright marriage was 10) especially when they are abroad or at a public school.
The Judge argued that a reduction for the husband in maintenance would cause the standard of living of the child to plummet but that did not wash with the Court of Appeal.
This is a landmark decision which will help husbands who fear they are being fleeced for life.
If you are involved in a maintenance or a divorce battle, consult the experts. Hylton-Potts at our London office has been advising all over the country, operate highly competitive fixed fees and have a free legal helpline and email service. There is no substitute for expertise and experience.
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is makes interesting reading because my ex thinks she is on, exactly that, a meal ticket for life. How can I find out more? Johnnie
If you become a client we can advise you to fixed fee and how to apply to the court to reduce your ex wife’s maintenance hopefully to nil, and the case we have blogged will help you. Rodney
It’s about time! People should always be willing to work
This is disgusting. The poor woman. Why should she go out and scrub loos at £6 an hour after she spent the best part of her life looking after this guys kids.
They should not change the law.