Paralegal in Clarke Willmott’s family law team, Stacey Collins, looks at a recent family law dispute which highlights complex family asset structures.
A complex family law dispute hit the headlines recently with former manager of iconic Australian rock band INXS – Maria Christina Copinger-Symes becoming embroiled in a £14 million divorce and financial remedies dispute following the overturning of a financial order for “material-non disclosure”.
The case involves a family dispute between Maria-Christina Copinger-Symes and her ex-husband, an SAS Major, James Copinger-Symes, who separated in 2022. As part of the financial remedy settlement Ms Copinger-Symes agreed to pay a lump sum to her ex-husband of £1.2 million leaving her approximately £5 million from the couple’s joint marital assets.
The ensuing dispute stems from a gift Mr Copinger-Symes received for the sum of £27.6 million from Ms Copinger-Symes’ parents after their separation. Ms Copinger-Symes argued this was not disclosed at the time of the settlement and constitutes “material non-disclosure”. Ms Copinger-Symes is now seeking a £14 million share of that gift received by her ex-husband.
Ms Copinger-Symes’ family dynamics are said to be fragile following an alleged property dispute which led to family tensions and animosity. In contrast, Mr Copinger-Symes argues the gift was not a secret, is non-matrimonial in nature and as such should be disregarded. His position is that the monies gifted to him were only paid in the knowledge that Ms Copinger-Symes would not receive a share. This personal backdrop underscores how complex financial disputes in divorce can intertwine with generational wealth and fractured family relationships.
The heart of this case highlights key family law issues regarding full financial disclosure, the overturning of financial orders due to newly revealed assets and ignites the long-standing argument between what should be treated as “matrimonial” and “non-matrimonial” assets.
Following a two-day hearing, Judgment is reserved to be given at a later date by Court of Appeal Judges Lord Justice Moylan, Lady Justice Andrews and Lord Justice Nugee. Its progression will likely be watched closely by practitioners dealing with complex assets structures in family law.
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