Divorce

VWV can take you through the Divorce process, advising on all aspects, particularly the structure of the financial settlement.

Financial settlements have become increasingly complex with pension funds, offshore assets, trusts and tax issues being features of the investigation process.

Pre and post nuptial agreements
 
Pre-Nuptial Agreements (and Pre-Registration Agreements in case of Civil Partnerships) are becoming increasingly popular as are Post Nuptial Agreements (after marriage).

The recent Court of Appeal case: Radmacher v Granatino has confirmed the validity of these arrangements. They can offer a way of protecting family assets and ensuring succession. They can be particularly useful in cases where there are family businesses or inherited wealth.

Trusts and divorce

The protection afforded by discretionary trusts on divorce claims, is a complex area and one where the law is evolving. Pre-Nuptial Agreements may also incorporate trust arrangements and family businesses may wish to use Discretionary Trusts to protect the nature of the business from divorce of one of the business members.

VWV has a trust litigation team that can assist with claims against trusts arising on divorce either bringing the claim or defending it.

Co-habitation disputes

We can advise on issues arising in relation to co-habitation and relationship breakdown. We work with our colleagues in the Property Team to resolve property issues and the Trust Team dealing with Trusts.

All our Partners and Fee Earners in the Matrimonial Team are members of Resolution and work to achieve mediated resolutions wherever possible.
Our client list is very broad. We act for a number of brokers, fund managers as well as people in the entertainment industry and visual arts.