Wyatt v Vince: lawyers predict modest payout if claim successful

Family lawyers have predicted the ex-wife of a windmill millionaire may only win a small payout after her surprising victory at the Supreme Court. Wyatt v Vince [2015] UKSC 14 concerned an unusual set of circumstances. Ms Wyatt separated from Mr Vince in 1984 and divorced him in 1992 when he was a new age traveller living in a disused ambulance. She brought up their children in straitened circumstances while Mr Vince went on to develop a successful windmill business and is now a multi-millionaire.

Michael Gouriet, partner in Withers' Family law team, says: “The judgment merely stresses that Ms Wyatt is entitled to be heard and the key resulting question is whether she will now get any retrospective award in recognition of her contribution for raising their son. The judgment warns of the 'formidable difficulties' she faces in this regard, but the hint at fairness indicates that she may not leave empty-handed.” (See this week's comment Time to reflect?)