Wyatt v Vince [2015] UKSC 14 – Law Journals

Scotland: Tips and traps

In the conclusion to a two-part analysis, Fiona Turner and Noel Ferry analyse key differences as to financial provision in Scotland when compared with England and Wales In Scotland, if the value of an asset has crashed post-separation, this is irrelevant when establishing the extent of matrimonial property which should be shared, as will be …

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Variation: To vary or not to vary

Heather Souter summarises the key considerations on an application to vary a financial consent order and the approach of the courts Unless there has been a significant change of circumstance since the order was made, grounds for variation under s31, MCA 1973 seem hard to conceive. The full financial impact of the global pandemic is …

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Pensions: Equality or not?

James Copson looks at the recommendations in the Pension Advisory Group report and highlights the potential pitfalls when dealing with pension assets ‘It is much harder to achieve a fair outcome where there is a significant difference in the ages of the parties.’ An understanding of pensions is a must for every family lawyer working …

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Financial provision: Proceed with haste

Tania Derrett-Smith looks at the impact of delay on financial remedy applications ‘The Supreme Court decision in Wyatt highlights that delay in bringing an application for a financial remedy will be a major factor for the court’s consideration, and is quite likely to have an impact on the final outcome.’ Surprisingly, there are relatively few …

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Financial provision: A helping hand

Che Meakins looks at the issue of needs in financial proceedings, and the guidance available to assist parties, practitioners and the courts ‘In the case of a financial application made at the time of separation, the court is likely to classify any identified needs as generated by the relationship more or less by default.’ Family …

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Financial Provision: An open door

David Hickmott examines the Supreme Court decision in Birch v Birch and the importance of the discretionary jurisdiction in the family courts ‘The matter could, and should, have been more expeditiously dealt with had the parties addressed the court as to a proper inquiry into the merits of the wife’s application, rather than being derailed …

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Delay: Measuring time

Matthew Taylor looks at delay in financial proceedings and the more generous approach taken by the court in Briers v Briers ‘The judgment in Briers makes it clear that a delay in launching an application does not prevent the court making an award on a sharing basis.’It seems that, much like buses, you wait an …

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Costs Allowances: Back-door costs?

Che Meakins assesses the difference between costs already incurred and those required to fund future litigation on an application for a legal services payment order ‘The decision in BC v DE is a clear reminder that an application in relation to costs incurred in the earlier stages of financial remedy proceedings is perfectly legitimate.’In BC …

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Financial Provision: Time gap

Claire Molyneux summarises the courts’ approach to delay in making a financial remedy application, and how the principles in Wyatt v Vince are being applied ‘In weighing the factors, consideration must be given to the effect on the financial affairs of the other party, prejudice to the other party and the explanation for the delay.’ …

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Disclosure: Managing management

Eugenie Taylor looks at whether it is possible to exonerate a party from their duty of disclosure ‘It could not be right, if a finding was made that the deceased deliberately had misled the appellant and the court, for her conduct to be saved by a delay on the part of the appellant in discovering …

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