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27 November 2008 / Michael Wilkinson
Issue: 7347 / Categories: Features , Divorce , Family
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Insolvent divorces

Divorce, bankcruptcy...and the credit crunch. A painful combination, says Michael Wilkinson

As the property market descends, once again, into negative equity, and banks and businesses slam on their proverbial brakes and put a stop to their (previously generous) credit and loan facilities, the credit crunch looks set to hit home —and its impact is likely to affect more than merely the family purse. Married couples beware. Those finding it tough presently making ends meet, may soon be stretched beyond their limits and not only from an economic point of view.

Tales of insolvency and a break-up of the family unit are likely to become increasingly more commonplace. The consequence for the family law practitioner is that there are likely to be more than just two hungry parties looking for a slice of the family cake.

Surviving the wreck of a partner’s bankruptcy can be hard enough in itself. Managing to salvage anything from it while also divorcing the bankrupt partner, is often impossible. The sad reality is that if the husband (and it usually

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn adds employee benefits and executive compensation practice in London with partner Richard Surtees

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL appoints new partner and head of intellectual property disputes

Muckle LLP—Roland Fairlamb

Muckle LLP—Roland Fairlamb

Specialist associate solicitor rejoins Muckle’s leading employment team

NEWS
A series of recent decisions has clarified important principles across property law, from perpetuities to lease renewals and public rights over land
Employers cannot rely on wellbeing services alone to defend workplace stress claims after a High Court decision awarding almost £1m to an overworked employee
Andy Burnham's brand of 'Manchesterism' could offer fresh thinking on legal aid and access to justice if it reaches Westminster, according to Roger Smith, NLJ columnist and former director of JUSTICE
The constitutional fallout from a change of prime minister, rather than the politics, is under scrutiny as questions arise over the limits of executive authority in a leadership transition
The legal profession is undergoing a fundamental shift from selling services to creating technology-enabled products, according to Professor Luke Mason, Head of School of Law at Regent's University London
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