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Woman loses Court of Appeal bid to increase "nightmare" divorce settlement

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The former spouse of a prominent property tycoon has lost her bid to increase a “nightmare” divorce settlement at the Court of Appeal.

Ms Camilla Versteegh and wealthy property mogul Gerard Versteegh were married for 20 years, during which time the successful tycoon amassed a £273 million fortune.

During a previous hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London two years ago, Ms Versteegh was awarded a settlement of £51.4 million alongside a 23 per cent share in one of her husband’s businesses.

But returning to the Court of Appeal in recent days, she argued that the settlement was unfair and insufficient when Mr Versteegh’s total fortune was taken into account and that the shares were “worth very little” to her.

She argued that Brexit had hit the pay-out value considerably and that the High Court should have come to a more “conservative” and realistic valuation of her ex-husband’s business empire prior to reaching a conclusion.

Despite having previously signed a prenuptial agreement stipulating how the couple’s assets would be split, the disgruntled ex-wife argued that she should be entitled to at least £116 million – including a sum of £67 million in cash.

However, three Court of Appeal judges dismissed her request for a fresh trial upon examining evidence, which indicated that the couple had shared a “truly exceptional” lifestyle together prior to their split and that the previous settlement was “more than sufficient” for her needs.

MFG Solicitors’ family team advise on divorce, separation and all other aspects of family law. For more information about how we could help you, please contact us. 

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