The divorce of Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong is still highly reported throughout the media with new stories and gossip appearing every week. Speculation is running high on the divorce with stories such as “he is hiding something” and “who will get the dog?”
However, a story that would have caught the eye of the public is that Lisa Armstrong is allegedly now seeking a share of Ant’s future earnings. Whilst it was originally reported that Ant McPartlin was to divide his assets equally and provide his soon to be ex-wife with half of his £62 million fortune, she now wishes to seek £155 million to represent a proportion of his future earnings. But how true is this and is it even possible?
Tom Fisher, Family Law Solicitor at Jackson Lees, comments:
“It is always hard to comment on media stories when the media only reports on half a story. There has been a lot of coverage on the McPartlin/Armstrong divorce which seems to be one side of the story, with the media portraying Ms Armstrong as a victim. When discussing future earnings there are many factors that have to be taken into consideration before a claim should be sought and a figure agreed upon.
It has to be noted that there are no children between the parties and Ms Armstrong has her own career and own income. The parties are both relatively young within their respective careers and their own future earnings are not limited or will not be impacted upon.
Due to the fact it was reported that Armstrong would go after her soon-to-be-ex-husband’s future earnings, the media compared this divorce to that of the footballer Ray Palour which has a completely different set of circumstances. Ray Parlour’s football career had a time limit, the parties had three very young children together, limited capital assets to divide and the parties themselves were also relatively young. To compare the two divorces provides the general public with a false sense of entitlement.
Whilst future earnings can be taken into consideration for those parties with high net worth income and a high disposable income, it is not a given right that future income will be taken into consideration, or that a lump sum will be awarded when both parties are able to earn and achieve a clean break. It would also have to be noted that should a future income be taken into consideration and a lump sum awarded or maintenance, that this would be reviewed after a short period of time, to allow the spouse to utilise their own income and increase their own wage. It would be a lift time allowance that would be granted when the parties are young and have no dependants and their own earning potential.
Should you have a high income and are worried about potential future earnings, then my team specalise in high net worth assets and will be able to assist you in protecting your finances.”
If you would like any more advice regarding divorce and finances, you can contact our Liverpool and Wirral divorce lawyers. Please click here for a call back or message us your enquiry.