Divorce courts for super-rich win cautious welcome from lawyers

Controversial plans to create a court for super-rich couples to battle over financial issues when divorcing have received a qualified welcome from specialist lawyers.

Sir James Munby, head of the family courts in England and Wales, said that financial remedies courts would deal with claims that could involve millions of pounds and take several years to resolve.

The courts will be piloted in London, the West Midlands and southeast Wales from February.

Jo Carr-West, a partner at the London law firm Hunters, said “anything that streamlines the court system and makes it more efficient is a welcome step forward for any divorcing couple, not just the super-rich”.

But she warned that “even if increased efficiency helps to reduce the cost of the process for those involved in it, the reality remains that financial litigation on divorce is the preserve of those brave enough to represent themselves or those who can afford long-term legal representation.”

Read the full article in The Times Law Brief here, behind a paywall.