During Financial Remedy Proceedings, full and frank disclosure of finances is required from both parties in order to allow a Judge to provide a fair judgement. But what if one party does not give full and frank disclosure, and instead tries to hide their assets? The Court had to consider this in a recent 2025 case, VTY v GDB.
During this case, the Husband was found to have engaged in dishonest conduct throughout proceedings including in relation to the ownership and valuation of various assets, including a Farm owned in a different country. The Wife sought the sale of all English properties, with the first £140,000 being set aside for school fees and the balance paid to meet her housing needs and a capitalised income fund. She also sought a 100% pension sharing order, the transfer of properties in other countries to the Husband and the enforcement of an outstanding maintenance and costs order. The Husband sought the sale of all assets and an equal division of net proceeds with exception to a plot of land that the Wife could retain to account for maintenance and costs arrears. He made no offer for a pension share.
The Court found the Huband to be dishonest and lacking in credibility throughout proceedings. The Court drew an adverse inference against him regarding undisclosed assts and income due to his non-compliance with disclosure orders.
The Court ordered the transfer of properties in other countries to the Husband. All English properties were to be sold, with 100% of the net proceeds and a 100% pension sharing order awarded to the Wife. The Husband was ordered to pay the outstanding maintenance and costs orders within 14 days. This award was provided the Wife as the Court wanted to provide the Wife with a mortgage free home, school fees and some capital towards the Wife’s income needs, acknowledging the likely enforcement difficulties due to the Husband’s conduct.
Our family department are able to assist you with a variety of family law matters, including divorce, finances, separation, children and domestic abuse. If you require any assistance in respect of a Family Law matter then please contact a member of our dedicated team who will be happy to assist.
