No meal ticket for life

The Court of Appeal has told the ex-wife of a millionaire racehorse vet, she could not have a meal ticket for life at her husband’s expense and she should get a job.

This has repercussions not just for multi-millionaires but it brings more routine cases in line with Scotland and Europe where generous long-term maintenance payments are discouraged and the parties are encouraged to get work and stand on their own feet.

Tracey Wright, 51, said she should not have to work but the Judge said that could not go on indefinitely especially after his retirement at 65.

Where a mother pleads that the children will miss her and suffer, Judges will often take a more robust view as working mothers are more and more acceptable in society.  Indeed such a mother may prove to be an excellent role model.

It is usually possible to find work to fit in with children’s needs (the child in the Wright marriage was 10) especially when they are abroad or at a public school.

The Judge argued that a reduction for the husband in maintenance would cause the standard of living of the child to plummet but that did not wash with the Court of Appeal.

This is a landmark decision which will help husbands who fear they are being fleeced for life.

If you are involved in a maintenance or a divorce battle, consult the experts.  Hylton-Potts at our London office has been advising all over the country, operate highly competitive fixed fees and have a free legal helpline and email service.  There is no substitute for expertise and experience.

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