Transfer of money during a divorce and the involvement of international companies

Desmond acted for a client in divorce and financial proceedings. The parties’ family home was put up for sale shortly after the parties separated and a buyer was found. However, the spouse and the buyer repeatedly delayed the sale. During the proceedings, the client also discovered that the husband had transferred in excess of £1 million abroad from the parties’ joint account without the client’s permission and knowledge, to accounts in other countries and subsequently, invested in companies in other countries. After making detailed enquiries of the spouse, the spouse declared that they also had an interest in another foreign company. Once all of the information had been obtained, the parties agreed their financial matters on favourable terms at a settlement hearing and the family home was agreed to be sold following the advice of conveyancing solicitors.