Henry Hood examines the Mandy Gray case and retrieving luxury assets in The Times

Henry’s article was published in The Times, June 2019, and can be seen here.

Henry Hood, Head of our Family & Relationships department, reflects on the cautionary tale emerging from the high-profile dispute between Mandy Gray and her former partner, Hamish Hurley.

After securing a landmark divorce settlement worth $225 million, Ms Gray appears to have rapidly depleted much of her fortune through lavish spending and ill-fated investments, including £7 million in Hurley’s failed business.

Despite this, valuable assets remain, such as luxury cars, land in Italy and New Zealand, and various investments, which Ms Gray now seeks to reclaim. However, the legal battle over ownership is complicated by the fact that many of these assets are in Mr Hurley’s name, raising questions about intent, gifting, and jurisdiction.

The case underscores the unpredictable and often chaotic nature of post-separation financial disputes, particularly where international assets and informal arrangements are involved.

With proceedings underway in both England and New Zealand, each with differing legal frameworks for unmarried couples, Ms Gray faces a protracted and costly legal journey. The absence of formal documentation means the outcome may hinge on subjective interpretations of past communications.

Ultimately, this saga serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prudent financial planning and legal clarity in personal relationships, especially when significant wealth is at stake.

Read the full article on The Times website [subscription required].