Sharp v Sharp [2017] EWCA Civ 408

https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWFC/HCJ/2025/399.html

The case of Standish was all about the correct approach to be taken to the concept of ‘matrimonialisation’. This article deals with one question: whether the ‘new test’ announced by the Supreme Court is worse than the ‘old test’ enunciated by the Court of Appeal at the prior stage of proceedings.

This article revisits the contested terrain of ‘special contribution’, and questions whether it retains any legitimate role in contemporary financial remedy jurisprudence. It argues that the concept is both theoretically discriminatory and practically uncertain.