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05 February 2009
Issue: 7355 / Categories: Features , Divorce , Child law , Family
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Execute. Marry. Execute.

Is now the time to turn your pre-nup into a post-nup? Asks Mark Irving

In the case of MacLeod v MacLeod [2008] UKPC 64, the Privy Council addressed the vexed question of the enforceability of pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. Mr and Mrs MacLeod were married in Florida on Valentine’s Day 1994 and on the same day signed a pre-nuptial agreement.

There was a considerable difference in wealth and age between them. Mr MacLeod had amassed huge wealth through business development and was 49. Mrs MacLeod had been studying for a degree in business administration and was 27. Four months later they moved from the US to the Isle of Man, where they lived together for the remainder of their nearly 10 year marriage, and had five sons.

In 1997 a temporary post-nuptial agreement was signed which lapsed a year later. In July 2002 a further post-nuptial agreement was signed. It is this latter agreement which became the bone of contention between the parties upon their divorce. The 2002 agreement did a lot. It confirmed

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Harper James—Lottie Hugo

Harper James—Lottie Hugo

Commercial law firm announces appointment of corporate partner

Carey Olsen—Patrick Ormond

Carey Olsen—Patrick Ormond

Partner joins corporate and finance practice in British Virgin Islands

Dawson Cornwell—Naomi Angell

Dawson Cornwell—Naomi Angell

Firm strengthens children department with adoption and surrogacy expert

NEWS
Serial sperm donor Robert Albon has lost his bid for a declaration of paternity, ‘on the ground that to grant it would manifestly be contrary to public policy’
The government is considering wholesale reform of consumer class actions—the ‘opt-out’ collective claims certified by the Competition Appeals Tribunal (CAT)
A ‘sophisticated suspected fraud’ may have taken place at PM Law involving the improper removal and misuse of about £39.5m of client funds, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has confirmed
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) will invest in technology to catch tech-reliant fraudsters and handle voluminous case materials
Law firms enjoyed rapid, sector-wide growth in 2025, according to the Law Society’s latest annual Financial Benchmarking Survey
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