Cases

TOLATA Claims Bankruptcy

Reid-Roberts & Anor v Mei-Lin & Anor [2026] EWHC 49 (Ch)

Cawson J. Appeal and cross-appeal concerning H’s beneficial interest in the matrimonial home. Cawson J found that H had not transferred his beneficial interest to W, but that sale of the property should be deferred.

Agreements Conduct

Wei-Lyn Loh v Ardal Loh-Gronager [2025] EWFC 483

Cusworth J. Sums the husband unilaterally removed from a mortgage account and joint bank accounts during the marriage are held to be part of his entitlement under a pre-nuptial agreement, partially due to conduct findings.

Costs

Hammond v Herrington Carmichael LLP [2026] EWHC 701 (SCCO)

Costs Judge Whalan. Unsuccessful application by the claimant for a s 70 Solicitors Act 1974 assessment of the invoices delivered by the defendant law firm. Invoices were Interim Statute Bills, and no special circumstances were found to justify assessment by the court.

Service Maintenance Pending Suit Legal Services Payment Orders

Re A and Z: Service Out; MPS; LSPO [2026] EWFC 64

McKendrick J. Interim hearing addressing an application to set aside a previous order permitting alternative service of the divorce petition out of jurisdiction by email in the US, alongside MPS and LSPO applications.

Gifts Non-Disclosure set-aside including barder

De La Sala & Anor v De La Sala & Ors [2026] EWCA 282

Moylan, Andrews, and Nugee LJJ. The Court of Appeal dismissed two appeals from a set-aside order made by HHJ Hess sitting as a deputy High Court judge. The court considered issues of material non-disclosure by the husband, and whether gifts made by the wife’s mother were conditional.

Lex Loci Celebrationis

MA v WK [2025] EWFC 499

Cusworth J. Can a non-marriage entered into in England and Wales obtain validity by being registered in a country which permits nikkah marriage, so that it is recognised in England and Wales as a valid foreign marriage?

arbitration Disclosure Publicity and Confidentiality

Rt. Hon. The Countess Karen Anne Spencer v Rt. Hon. Ninth Earl Spencer, Charles Edward Maurice Spencer [2025] EWFC 431

Peel J. Appeal by W for further details of an arbitration award to be disclosed to the associated KBD proceedings and to ‘any persons’. Peel J permitted minimal further disclosure in order to provide the King’s Bench court with full context but emphasised the confidential nature of arbitration.