Edward is highly experienced in all aspects of family law, but particularly financial remedies (including civil partnerships). He has specific expertise in dealing with complex high net worth matters involving family businesses, farms, companies and trusts. He is also very experienced in equitable co-ownership cases under TOLATA. Particularly well known for his family finance work and recognised as one of the “Leaders at the Bar”.

Selected Cases

CMX v EJX (French Marriage Contract) [2022] EWHC 136

Moor J’s judgment in a French Marriage Contract case where he upheld the contract but awarded the wife 40% of all assets and 45% of the liquid assets. The judge also comments on the utility of PODE reports and the correct approach to top-up maintenance for high earners, not following Mostyn J in CB v KB.

H v H

H’s application to terminate PPs of over £45,000 pa 13 years after divorce. H sought an immediate termination, W a substantial replacing lump sum. Court determined an immediate termination. Edward Boydell for H instructed by Rita Gupta of LGFL

M v M

£10m case concerning property holdings and waste management businesses in Hampshire. Edward Boydell instructed by Simon Burge of Blake Morgan LLP for H

X v X

c£25m case concerning a pre-nuptial agreement under which W receives 30% of the combined family wealth subject to a minimum sum. Issues included W’s case that 30% would not provide for her needs and calculation disputes as to the assets. Edward Boydell for H instructed by Erica Shelton and Charlotte Posnasky of Charles Russell Speechlys LL

B v B

c£5M case in which it was alleged that W had attempted to commit fraud by forging court documents leading to a final consent order in 2007. H applied to set aside the orders and matter was eventually compromised before Mostyn J. Edward Boydell instructed by Wilsons was led by Nicholas Francis QC

GS v L [2011] EWHC 1759 (Fam)

4M case concerning the applicability of a post-nuptial settlement signed by the parties in Spain after 2 years of a 10 year marriage. Further issues were raised such as the relevance of pre-acquired assets and whether the court should have regard to the types and range of orders that would be made if the case were being heard in Spain, the family being essentially Spanish and all residing in Madrid. The case was heard over 7 days before Eleanor King J. Edward Boydell instructed by Wilsons.

S v S

Parties agreed to divide £40M equally after a long marriage. Both parties wished to retain a French chateau bought and restored over the last 9 years of the marriage. Single issue hearing to determine who should retain the chateau fought over 3 days before Sir Hugh Bennett. Edward Boydell led by Nicholas Francis QC for H.

B v B

c£5M farming case. H and W farmed large estate held largely in H’s family trusts over long marriage. There were issues as to relevance of inherited wealth and resources. Compromised shortly before trial in May 2012. Edward Boydell instructed by Wilsons

Lofthouse v Box [2014] EWHC 1795 (Ch)

Complex application under TOLATA by former co-habitee (who was a policeman) for a share in the house of his former partner (a solicitor) on the basis of monies paid by him to her which he claimed was an investment and she was a loan. Serious allegations of conduct and dishonesty.

Hill v Hill [1998] 1 FLR 198

Leading Court of Appeal case on delay. W brought a new application retrospectively on basis of implementation of the MCA 1973 having had a financial claim first in 1969, some 29 years earlier. Edward Boydell instructed by Lamport Bassitt.

GS v L [2011] EWHC 2116 (Fam) (costs)

Costs judgment of Eleanor King J (now LJ) following a complex case as to pre and post nuptial agreements and pre-acquired assets. Guidance as to the correct approach on costs. Edward Boydell for Wilsons.

AM v PM [2019] EWHC 8 (Fam)

Roberts J exploring needs after the parties had divided c£11.5m assets prior to trial.
Edward Boydell for LGFL. Richard Castle for Charles Russell Speechleys

S v C [2020] EWHC 2127 (Fam)

Decision of Roberts J in an ‘unusual application’ by a former wife for a financial remedy order in respect of A who is the parties’ only child, who is six years old. Edward Boydell instructed by Miles Preston & Co.

Smith v Smith [2007] EWCA Civ 454

Court of Appeal guidance as to the correct approach to a wife retaining an interest in her former husband’s business assets. Edward Boydell instructed by Wilsons. H in person after first hearings.