Olufemi Awodele successfully represented under the public access scheme, the wife in contested financial remedies proceedings, securing an order that enabled his client to retain approximately 90% of her assets following a substantial departure from the equality principle under section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act, 1973.
The dispute concerned a significant property portfolio, including assets acquired both before and during the marriage. The Court ordered the wife to retain her principal residence in Uxbridge, valued at over £1 million and another significant property. The proceedings turned largely on issues of credibility and the parties’ respective contributions.
Through careful preparation and focused cross-examination, Femi exposed material inconsistencies and falsehoods in the husband’s evidence, significantly undermining the factual basis of his claims.
In giving judgment, the Court expressly commended Mr Awodele’s cross-examination and observed that a strong case for a departure from the equality principle had been advanced on behalf of the wife. The court sided with Femi’s submissions that the lopsidedness of financial contributions could only lead to an inevitable departure from the equality principle.
The decision reflects the Court’s willingness, in appropriate cases, to depart substantially from equal division where the statutory factors and the evidence justify such an outcome and demonstrates the value of rigorous forensic analysis and persuasive advocacy in complex financial remedies litigation.
Femi’s full profile: https://greatjames.co.uk/members/olufemi-awodele/
To instruct Femi, please contact the clerking team at clerks@greatjames.co.uk or on 0207 440 4949.