A Cautionary Tale for Unreasonable Spouses in Financial Remedy Cases 

Senior Matrimonial Consultant Solicitor, Melanie Townsend, was recently involved in a successful case, ringfencing her client’s property portfolio in a Financial Remedy case and securing an order for the husband to pay costs. Here, she outlines the case and the results achieved for her client, serving as a cautionary tale against unreasonable behaviour during divorce proceedings.

In a recent, protracted financial remedy dispute, I successfully secured a favourable outcome for my client, a wife, against a particularly difficult husband. The case, which spanned four years, highlights the potential consequences of unreasonable conduct and the importance of timely engagement in legal proceedings. 

The husband’s persistent refusal to cooperate and his unreasonable approach to negotiations significantly prolonged the case. Despite agreeing to arbitration, he later withdrew his consent, forcing the matter to proceed to trial. Furthermore, he only made an open, very unreasonable offer at the eleventh hour, a move that ultimately proved costly. 

Thanks to the diligent efforts of our team, and the exceptional cross-examination skills of Becky Littlewood at 1 Garden Court, we were able to achieve an order, relying on Standish, to successfully ring-fence the wife’s assets, which originated from her family business and inheritance. The court also ordered the husband to pay 75% of our client’s legal costs, totalling £109,500. 

This case serves as a stark reminder that unreasonable conduct in divorce proceedings can have serious financial implications. By dragging out proceedings and refusing to engage in constructive negotiations, the husband incurred significant additional costs. It is crucial to approach legal matters with a reasonable and cooperative attitude to minimise costs and maximise the chances of a favourable outcome for all involved. 

We are pleased to have secured a positive outcome for this client. This case will soon be reported, further solidifying our reputation as a leading firm in complex financial remedy disputes.