Collardeau v Fuchs (Contempt of Court: Sentencing) [2026] EWFC 44 (11 February 2026)

Collardeau v Fuchs (Contempt of Court: Sentencing) [2026] EWFC 44 (11 February 2026)

The defendant was found in contempt of court for breaching a specific court order by selling a prohibited asset, but as he had remedied the breach by paying all sums due and the impact on the claimant was ultimately neutralized, no separate penalty was imposed beyond a substantial costs order.

Citation
[2026] EWFC 44
Parties
Claimant: Alvina Collardeau; Defendant: Michael Fuchs
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 February 2026
Procedural Posture
Contempt of Court (family) / Sentencing
Outcome
Defendant found in contempt of court; no separate penalty imposed; costs order made against defendant.
Legal Topics
Enforcement of Financial Orders, Committal Proceedings, Sentencing for Contempt, Costs Assessment
Family Law Contempt of Court Enforcement of Financial Orders Committal Proceedings Sentencing for Contempt Costs Assessment

Case Brief

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Parties

Alvina Collardeau

Claimant

Michael Fuchs

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Contempt of Court (family) / Sentencing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the defendant was in contempt of court for breaching a court order prohibiting the sale of property
  2. 2 Appropriate sanction for contempt of court in the context of family financial remedy proceedings
  3. 3 Assessment of costs in contempt proceedings

Ratio Decidendi

The defendant was found in contempt of court for breaching a specific court order by selling a prohibited asset, but as he had remedied the breach by paying all sums due and the impact on the claimant was ultimately neutralized, no separate penalty was imposed beyond a substantial costs order.

Court Disposition

Defendant found in contempt of court; no separate penalty imposed; costs order made against defendant.

Orders

  • Defendant to pay claimant's costs summarily assessed at £100,000 inclusive of VAT, payable within 21 days.
  • No separate penalty for contempt of court.