Paul Walters, Solicitor and Mediator in Astle Paterson’s Divorce & Family department discusses the effect the ‘Panama Papers leak’ may have in divorce cases.
Paul said “The recent leaks from the Panama Papers have drawn attention to individuals who have been keeping assets hidden abroad.
Whether by fluke or design, assets may have been hidden from the eyes of an ex-spouse or a divorce Court when separating couples were getting divorced.
As the Supreme Court ruled in the cases of Gohil v Gohil and Sharland v Sharland, a party in divorce proceedings can have the divorce settlement or Order reopened when it becomes apparent that the final Order of the divorce Court in the case has been made on incomplete or misleading information.”
Paul concluded “The publicity surrounding the leaks may increase the amount of an ex-spouse who wishes to have their former spouse’s assets held overseas investigated and could lead to increase the amount of challenges against divorce settlements and Orders on the basis that assets previously unknown to a spouse or the Court have come to light.”
At Astle Paterson we have a number of experienced specialist divorce and family Solicitors who have the knowledge and know-how to assist you through your divorce process.
Should you wish to discuss matters further with Paul, then please contact him on either 01283 531366 or by way of email to his secretary, Helen Shipley at hshipley@astlepaterson.co.uk.