Lottery Win and Divorce

Family Finance

In the recent case of S v AG [2011] a husband was awarded a share of his wife’s lottery win.  The wife won £500,000 as part of a lottery syndicate in January 2000.  She then used some of her winnings to purchase and renovate a property.  In 2007 the couple divorced and the husband was granted leave to apply for financial relief.  During proceedings the court had to determine whether the lottery prize should be classed as matrimonial or non matrimonial property.  It was agreed the husband was not aware that his wife was taking part in the lottery syndicate and that her contribution to the winning ticket had come from her own finances.  Therefore the winnings were classed as non matrimonial property.

However, when the wife decided to purchase the property, she had converted some of her non matrimonial property into matrimonial assets.  The husband, who had only lived in the property for a short period, was not entitled to an equal share but was awarded a lump sum of £85,000.

If you would like help and advice on separation, divorce and finances please contact our Family Law Department on Eastbourne 01323 727321 or Hailsham 01323 841481 for a free initial appointment.

Nicholas Dennis
Nicholas Dennis
Alexandra Funnell
Alexandra Funnell
Guy Brown
Guy Brown
Carolyn Richards
Carolyn Richards