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Home News Our News Latest Pre-nuptual victory for heiress

Pre-nuptual victory for heiress

Pre-nuptial victory for heiress in Court of Appeal

Miss Radmacher, 39, is one of Germany's richest women

A court ruling could pave the way for pre-nuptial agreements to become legally binding in England and Wales.

German heiress, Miss Radmacher, won a ruling from the Court of Appeal that such contracts should be taken into account by the courts when they divide assets after a marriage fails. 

Appeal judge Lord Justice Thorpe said he believed it had become "increasingly unrealistic" for courts to disregard pre-nuptial agreements. 

"It reflects the laws and morals of earlier generations," he said.

The Court of Appeal overturned an earlier court decision to award her ex-husband £5.8m of her £100m fortune despite their agreement. Frenchman Nicolas Granatino had agreed not to make a claim if they divorced. 

Such contracts are enforceable in Germany, where the couple's was signed, but not in England where they married.

"Ultimately, this case has been about what I regard as a broken promise" said Katrin Radmacher.

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Last Updated ( Thursday, 02 July 2009 14:34 )