When is a departure from 50/50 divorce settlement justified by a special contribution?

Ryan Giggs is claiming that he made a ‘special contribution’ to the finances of his family in his divorce from his wife, and that therefore the usual 50/50 divorce settlement should not apply. The assets involved are in the region of £48 million. Mr Giggs earned an enormous weekly salary during his time as a footballer and has since been involved in business ventures but making big money is not a reason in itself to get the lion’s share of marital assets. It is the quality of the contribution and its uniqueness that counts, not the amount of it.

Circumstances which justify a departure from equality must be wholly exceptional and must not discriminate against the home-maker. Mrs Giggs has brought up the parties’ two children. Cases are decided on their own facts and it remains to be see what the court makes of this one.

Nicola Furmston is a solicitor and head of the Family team at Barker Gotelee.

Family Solicitors in Ipswich – for more information on our range of legal services, please call the team on 01473 611211 or email [email protected]