With exclusive access to one of Britain's biggest divorces, Mary Nightingale investigates whether the divorce laws are fair.

Michelle and Scott Young were married for 11 years and together for 20. For much of their relationship, theirs was a lifestyle that most of us can only dream of, with enormous properties and holidays all over the world.

But when the relationship took a turn for the worse, a bitter and expensive divorce battle ensued.

For almost four years, the Youngs have been fighting through the courts over a settlement.
The problem is that Scott Young has been declared bankrupt by her Majesty's Revenue and Customs. Although his wife believes he has hidden his millions overseas. She has even hired a former police detective to investigate him.

That makes for a very messy divorce.

As we follow Michelle's progress, the programme also hears from people who feel that the current system is grossly unfair and favours the wealthier spouse.

Take Frances Oldershaw. She believes she ended up with a much smaller divorce settlement because her husband ensured their divorce hearing was heard in Scotland rather than England. Under Scottish law, judges only consider a basic salary in determining a settlement but most of Frances' ex husband's income was made up of his bonus.

Then there's Alex, who now works for Families Fathers. Prior to joining the Charity, he went through a long and drawn out divorce, and the settlement left him with nothing after he ran out of money for lawyers, whilst his ex wife has full legal representation. His story is typical of many divorcees who find out that all of their assets – the house, the pension, the car – can be divided after the settlement.

So have we got divorce laws right? The programme also features interviews with leading academic Baroness Deech and divorce lawyer Vanessa Lloyd Platt.
 

For more information go to:

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Families Need Fathers

Citizens Advice Bureau

On Divorce