Family Court’s divorce settlement emphasises wife’s role in childcare  

A Family Court judge has finalised a divorce settlement that highlights the importance of the wife’s role as the primary carer for the couple’s nine-year-old twin sons.

Nina Bernard, Graduate Solicitor Apprentice in our Family Law team reports on this recent case.

District Judge Hatvany ruled that the 58-year-old wife would receive a larger share of the couple’s assets to meet the needs of the children who live with her. The husband, aged 60, will pay £3,000 a month in combined spousal and child support until the twins reach adulthood.

“The wife will remain the primary carer for the twins for the foreseeable future,” the judge said, noting that this arrangement made it essential for her to secure suitable housing near the children’s school.

The couple’s former matrimonial home will be sold, with the wife receiving £935,000 from the proceeds – 53% of the equity – to help her rehouse. She will transfer her 30% share in the husband’s stunt coordination business back to him as part of the agreement.

The business was a central asset in the case. The judge acknowledged thehusband’s higher earning capacity and retained ability to generate income despite claiming financial difficulties.

The wife, a children’s illustrator, was commended for her efforts to increase her earnings while managing childcare. The judge rejected the idea that she should take on other forms of work, emphasising her specialised skills and childcare responsibilities.

The husband, who works in the TV and film industry, argued that his income had been affected by recent strikes. However, the judge noted his history of lucrative contracts and higher mortgage-raising capacity.

In her ruling, Judge Hatvany urged the couple to focus on co-parenting and avoid further disputes for the sake of their children. “You will have to learn to co-parent in a civilised way so your children can be happy and not feel conflicted,” she said.

The settlement reflects a balancing of the couple’s financial resources and the practical realities of their parenting roles, with the wife’s childcare commitments central to the division of assets.

For more information about the issues raised in this article or any aspect of family law please contact Nina on 01228 516666 or click here to send her an email.