Paying the Price For Being in Contempt of the Court Over a Divorce Settlement

No one is above the Law or a Judge’s final decision over a divorce settlement.

Recent news around the 14-month jail sentence of 83-year-old John Hart for being in contempt of Court over a divorce settlement is a salutary warning.

When Mr Hart, a wealthy property developer finally divorced his wife in June 2015 (after more than six years of wrangling in Court), he was ordered to hand over more than a third of his wealth (£3.5 million) to his ex-wife which included shares in his company and making her the owner.

Clearly resentful of the decision, it transpired that Mr Hart had done his utmost to frustrate his ex-wife’s ability to run it effectively. Along with his staff, Mr Hart had “stripped out” all the management records of the company, leaving behind only two bank statements and a collection of licences and leases.

Hart was ordered on two occasions, in February and July 2016, to provide information to his ex-wife, but failed to do so. Despite his age and ill-health, even Mr Hart couldn’t escape jail over his actions.

In this particular case, the Court was also critical of the pressure placed upon the Public funding around these proceedings which had been ongoing for 6 ½ years. Although each party had paid their own legal costs, the Judge made the point that the Court costs including the cost of the Court staff and the Judge presiding over the numerous hearings were still met from the public purse

The latest news also reflects how far Judges are going to go and how conscious they are of funding such ongoing battles. It shows the steps they are prepared to take to put an end to such heavily contentious battles.

In the not too distant future, litigants in this type of situation, will need to fund their own Judges, as the system will simply not be available to them.

In my next blog I will explore alternative options.

Talk to IBB Solicitors about divorce today

The divorce process can be long-winded, confusing and stressful. For expert insight and friendly advice, talk to experts at IBB Solicitors today. Whether you’re looking for a quick, stress-free end to your marriage, want to contest parts of your separation or simply want more information on the divorce process and financial settlements, we can help. Call our high net-worth divorce experts with no obligation today on 03456 381381 or email us at familylaw@ibblaw.co.uk