The Telegraph included an article about The Michelle Young Foundation, or “First Wives Club”. Mrs Young, who was embroiled in a bitter divorce case until the sudden death of her husband last year, has set up a group to help women who, like her, believe that they have been short-changed by the English legal system which has allowed their husbands to get away with concealing their true wealth.
The foundation plans to campaign for the courts to have more power to force spouses to provide full disclosure of their assets and punish them if they are found to have hidden information in divorce cases. It says it will also offer emotional and practical support to women in Mrs Young’s situation. The report doesn’t suggest that men find themselves in this position and focuses on the perceived unfairness to women.
On the other side of the coin the Independent reports on the US firm Cordell & Cordell opening a London office offering a men-only divorce service. They say, “Men are still unfairly represented in family courts in the UK. Our goal is to bridge the gender gap that has been part of family law for too long now.”
Where the truth lies is undoubtedly somewhere in the middle. When families end up in court there is always a risk that one party or the other will feel that they have been treated unfairly, or that the outcome is wrong.
Anything that encourages distrust in the legal system is unhelpful but for most families there are better alternatives to court. Mediation, collaboration or negotiation between lawyers can be more constructive, and less damaging to future relationships.
If you’d like to talk to one of our family lawyers about the different options for resolving your differences please get in touch with our Family Law team who can provide you with expert advice.
