Jailed husband ‘technically insolvent’

Papers from a recent High Court divorce case have revealed that a former property tycoon refused to pay the cost of divorce proceedings because he was “technically insolvent”.

Scot Young, who was jailed for six months for contempt of court in January for failing to produce details of his wealth, was officially divorced from his wife of 18 years Michelle Young on Wednesday in a short hearing in London. District Judge Heather MacGregor granted the Youngs, who separated in 2006, a decree nisi at a hearing in the Principal Registry of the Family Division of the High Court. Documents released once the hearing was over reveal that Young, 51, said he was “technically insolvent” and that Mrs Young complained of “abusive behaviour”. Replying to a question on a form about whether he objected to paying costs, Young said: “I am technically insolvent. But if my financial position changes I am happy to pay.” Young was ordered to pay his wife £27,500 a month in maintenance four years ago but said he could not do so because he was bankrupt. Mrs Young, however, claimed that he had “secreted enormous assets”. The Youngs, who have two daughters, were not present for Wednesday’s hearing.

Our Family and Matrimonial team helps families across West London and Bucks. For advice, contact a member of the team: call us on 01494 790000 or email familylaw@ibblaw.co.uk.