In 1973 the Matrimonial Causes Act came into being. This is still the legislation we apply to sort out a couple’s financial assets and obligations on divorce. When I started in practice in the 1980s, Judges talked about a 10 to 12 year marriage being a “medium length” marriage and a “long marriage” was 15 to 20 years. Over this time however many more couples are divorcing after 30 years or more so it makes a 10 year marriage seem quite short. Nevertheless, in a 10 year period, say, a wife may have given up her job and have three young children in primary school. Why do I mention this? Mrs Wright was in the news recently as a Judge told her that she is expected to go back to work now that her youngest child is over 7 years old. This case is fact specific as are all cases you hear about, each case depending on the circumstances. There are a number of factors, not just the length of the marriage and ages of the children, that are relevant to the financial outcome in each case. If you are in the process of separating we can advise on all the financial implications.
Anne Thistlethwaite
Solicitor/Mediator
