[2025] EWHC 2997 (Fam)

The parties shall get on and sell Property A as soon as it is ready for sale. I do bear in mind that the husband will want to get on with this because of the mortgage on the property.

The proceeds shall be divided equally. That will give them each £1,360,442 according to the agreed figures provided to me.

The wife’s capital needs have been assessed by me at £2.2 million + £38,302 = £2,238,302. She needs a further £877,860 above half the proceeds of the house. That is to be paid to her by lump sum from the husband’s share. It will leave him with about £482,500 depending on how much the property sells for.

The interim maintenance and arrangements will continue until sale thereafter the husband shall pay:

I believe it is for me to determine when the wife should pay the costs order to Lawrence Stephens, I would provisionally direct that she pay that upon the sale of Property A. I do not know whether it is for me to direct when she pays her remaining fees to them, if it is, then I would provisionally direct at the same time. I would ask that her solicitors communicate these provisional conclusions to Lawrence Stephen and invite them to prepare brief written submissions if they want different timing.

If I look at the net effect of this proposal I am leaving the husband with £3.7 million (his own resources of which £3.8 million is illiquid) and £482,500 from the matrimonial home and the wife with £2.23 million (from the house) and -£80,000 from her own resources. I am also leaving the husband with a very substantial income but a large DLA and a significant maintenance liability and I am leaving the wife in receipt of significant maintenance.

I conclude that overall this order is fair in the circumstances of this case.