P v P (Inherited Property)

P v P (Inherited Property)

The wife's award should be based on her reasonable needs for accommodation and income, not a percentage division of assets, due to the husband's inherited farm, the expectation of retention in specie, and the devastating impact of forced sale; fairness requires meeting but not exceeding her needs.

Parties
Petitioner: Mrs P; Respondent: Mr P
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
08 June 2004
Procedural Posture
Ancillary Relief Proceedings / Judgment
Outcome
Lump sum and maintenance orders granted in favour of wife and children.
Legal Topics
Ancillary Relief, Division of Matrimonial Assets, Maintenance, Child Support, School Fees, Inherited Property

Case Brief

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Parties

Mrs P

Petitioner

Mr P

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Ancillary Relief Proceedings / Judgment

  1. 1 Appropriate division of matrimonial assets where most assets are inherited
  2. 2 Assessment of wife's reasonable needs for accommodation and income
  3. 3 Capitalisation of periodical payments

Ratio Decidendi

The wife's award should be based on her reasonable needs for accommodation and income, not a percentage division of assets, due to the husband's inherited farm, the expectation of retention in specie, and the devastating impact of forced sale; fairness requires meeting but not exceeding her needs.

Court Disposition

Lump sum and maintenance orders granted in favour of wife and children.

Orders

  • Husband to pay wife lump sum of £575,000 (£400,000 for housing, £175,000 capitalised maintenance)
  • Husband to pay child maintenance of £4,000 per annum per child