Divorce – when is enough, enough?
The Ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the UAE (United Arab Emirates) has now been ordered by a UK court to pay a divorce settlement expected to be worth around £500 million.
It might seem strange that a UK Court has dealt with what is an international marriage but it should be remembered that when it is likely you will not receive a fair settlement in another legal jurisdiction then a court of England and Wales can seize jurisdiction over proceedings. Not least when one party to the marriage seeks refuge in that jurisdiction for her and her children’s safety.
Princess Haya fled to this jurisdiction in 2019 which two of her children. In proceedings since, the court has found as fact that the Ruler of Dubai was behind two of his other female daughter’s abductions – one from the streets of Cambridge and has also subjected Princess Haya to a campaign of intimidation; to include hacking her phone and the phones of two of her lawyers. As such he was ordered to pay for security up front and this forms part of a £250 million lump sum payment and a guaranteed annual income amounting to £290 million over her lifetime. A large sum of money but not when compared to the annual income of £92 million she had at her disposal to run her household in Dubai.
Whilst this case is unique in terms of figures and location, our team of Family solicitors have significant experience in dealing with high net worth divorces and those that have complicated circumstances, especially when the safety and wellbeing of children is involved. If you would like to discuss your own situation, please contact our team.