BIGGEST UK DIVORCE

Is the biggest divorce case in UK history in danger of turning into the plotline of a Jackie Collins novel? Hopefully not, but with millions of pounds at stake, the breakdown of the marriage between the 64 year old former Beatle, Sir Paul McCartney and 38 year old model turned campaigner, Heather Mills could be heading in that direction.

As I lead a team of Matrimonial Lawyers this news immediately attracted my attention, but as more and more column inches and minutes of airtime are devoted to the story I wonder if the complexities and ramifications involved in ending this marriage are being lost in favour of media speculation and frenzy.

After early comments suggesting an amicable split, the parties now appear to have embarked on a media campaign to garner sympathy and support for their respective causes, Heather in particular recruiting Phil Hall former editor of the News of the World to handle her publicity machine.

In my view and experience the longer this goes on, the more bitter and entrenched the parties’ position will become and the worse it will be for both of them. However, no clients of mine have yet been accompanied by their own PR adviser -only time will tell!

It was expected that the parties would head for top legal representation, the same as represented Princess Diana – Anthony Julius (for Heather) - and Prince Charles – Fiona Shackleton (for Sir Paul). It will be their job to concentrate on negotiating a fair settlement concentrating on the issues and not the emotion with a view to the future. There is talk of a settlement between £40 and £200 Million and, whilst costs are not a crucial issue for Sir Paul, I would certainly recommend he take the matter to Court if Heather sought £200 the latter.

I anticipate that Sir Paul would look to a confidentiality clause in any settlement, possibly linked to stage payments to secure Heather’s continued silence. Whilst he and Heather are the essential characters in this unfolding drama, consideration must be given to Beatrice Minnie McCartney who will be only 3 years old next month and no doubt be associated with this media circus for the rest of her life .

Sir Paul’s adult children from his previous marriage will no doubt be experiencing feelings of release, anxiety or possibly anger at seeing their Father go through such public scrutiny and speculation. In my experience whatever the feelings these people are experiencing they are going to be negative hurtful and take considerable time to heal.

The media appear polarised in seeking to portray this couple as a woman wanting public sympathy and popularity and a man just about to lose his patience. Whatever the outcome, this cannot, in my opinion, assist in producing an early negotiated settlement which must be in their best interests not only financially but emotionally. This unique case is definitely one to settle.