A Game-Changer in Divorce Law
On 2 July 2025, the UK Supreme Court handed down one of the most significant family law rulings in recent years: Standish v Standish. The case has quickly become a hot topic among family solicitors – and with good reason.
If you’re facing separation or want to protect your wealth, this case might just redefine how assets are divided in your divorce.
At Moss & Coleman, our expert family lawyers are already applying this case in real time to help clients protect their interests and negotiate better outcomes.
The Story Behind the Case
Mr and Mrs Standish were married for over a decade. During the marriage, Mr Standish transferred around £80 million of his pre-marital wealth to his wife for tax planning purposes.
When they divorced, the big question was: Had those assets become shared, matrimonial property — or did they remain his?
The High Court said yes – and awarded Mrs Standish £45 million.
The Court of Appeal said no – cutting it to £25 million.
The Supreme Court agreed: just because an asset is transferred to your spouse doesn’t mean it’s shared.
What the Supreme Court Actually Said
- Non-matrimonial property stays separate, unless it’s truly “shared” over time
- A transfer between spouses is not enough on its own to make property matrimonial
- Tax planning doesn’t turn pre-marital assets into shared wealth
- The source of wealth matters more than the name on the account
This ruling tightens the law around “matrimonialisation” and clarifies when non-marital wealth is protected — or not.
Why This Matters to You
Whether you’re entering a marriage with significant assets or facing separation, this case has real consequences:
- ✅ Have family wealth or a business? You may now have stronger protection.
- ✅ Facing divorce and your spouse owns most of the assets? You need to plan smartly and build a strong case.
- ✅ Want to protect your children’s future inheritance? You may want to act now.
This isn’t just a case for the super-wealthy. It sets a precedent that will guide courts in every financial divorce case from now on.
How Our Family Law Team Can Help
At Moss & Coleman we help clients:
- Draft bulletproof pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements
- Protect business or inherited assets in divorce
- Achieve fair financial settlements – even in complex, high-net-worth cases
- Understand their legal position and plan accordingly
This case changes the legal playing field. We can help you use that to your advantage.
Key Takeaways
- Assets you bring into a marriage are not automatically split on divorce
- Transferring money to your spouse does not automatically make it shared
- Strong legal advice is more important than ever — whether you’re giving or receiving
- Planning ahead (with the right agreements) is now more powerful than ever
Ready to Talk?
If you’re considering divorce or just want to plan ahead, our experienced family lawyers are here to help. Let’s have a confidential chat about how we can protect what matters to you.
Book a consultation today
Call us on 01708 446781
Email: mail@mosco.co.uk
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Always seek tailored advice before making legal decisions.
