Explaining how inheritance is dealt with on divorce, is Family Law Partner Sarah Walls and Family Law Associate Kirstin Sibley. For more information or to speak to a member of the team, visit: https://www.stephens-scown.co.uk/personal/family-law/

Inherited wealth can cause issues when a couple divorces, with disagreements about how the inheritance should be treated between them. Inheritance is a type of non-matrimonial asset. On the face of it, it is treated differently from assets that the couple built up together whilst they are married. Those assets they have built up are called matrimonial property and these are generally shared between the couple. Non-matrimonial assets, like inheritance are routinely kept to one side, unless the couple’s needs can’t reasonably be met without them being taken account of.

In this video Sarah and Kirstin discuss how those needs are assessed and what the Courts will consider. They also discuss another situation which is where assets have been mixed or pooled with other assets. And not just cash – inheritance can take several different forms. For example, land being inherited or valuable paintings or heirlooms.

Number one Family Law team in Devon and Cornwall.