A judge has refused to publish the details of a high-profile divorce case, despite intense public interest. The Hon. Mr Justice Cohen dismissed media applications for information following the divorce granted between Lady Hiroko and Sir Frederick Barclay, one of the multi-millionaire ‘Barclay Brothers’ and a national newspaper proprietor. The divorce, initiated by Lady Barclay and approved at the end of March 2021, saw the judge order Sir Frederick Barclay to pay his wife £100 million.
In England and Wales, only the decree absolute is made public in divorce proceedings, meaning that the details of divorce petitions are not divulged to the public, even in very significant cases such as this. Financial proceedings can also be kept private between the parties involved.
Despite the intense media scrutiny of the case and the public interest, details have been withheld to protect the privacy of those involved. This is not the first time divorces involving large sums of money have been kept private, but the law still applies to those with extreme wealth, as it does to all citizens of the United Kingdom.
If you are filing for divorce, then Nalders is here to help. We have a dedicated team of solicitors who specialise in family law and can advise you on divorce proceedings. For more information, please contact Manda Toms, Jane Blanks or Lindsey Jackson by filling in our online contact form or calling 01872 241414 to be directed to your nearest branch. We look forward to hearing from you.