header-logo header-logo

06 June 2019 / George Williamson , Katie Alexiou
Issue: 7843 / Categories: Features , Profession , Divorce , Family , Technology
printer mail-detail

Cracking financial assets on divorce

Cryptocurrencies have added an additional layer of complexity to the division of matrimonial assets, say George Williamson & Katie Alexiou

  • Litigation funding can play an important role when it comes to getting the help and advice needed to prevent the financially stronger party from putting assets out of reach of the less fortunate spouse.

As if it wasn’t already challenging enough, cryptocurrencies have come along to make it that bit harder to identify and recover all the assets in financial proceedings on divorce.

Cryptocurrencies have been around since 2009 when Bitcoin was first released but have really entered mainstream consciousness in the last couple of years. There are now over 4,000 ‘altcoins’ or alternative versions of Bitcoin. Perhaps predictably, cases involving this type of asset are starting to filter through to divorce lawyers, presenting a new layer of complexity in the already painful process of disclosure and division of matrimonial assets.

Tracing ‘paper’

Although there will be a traceable record right at the outset of the transaction when liquid money is first converted into digital currency, it becomes

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Private wealth and tax team welcomes cross-border specialist as consultant

Freeths—Michelle Kirkland Elias

Freeths—Michelle Kirkland Elias

International hospitality and leisure specialist joins corporate team as partner

Flint Bishop—Deborah Niven

Flint Bishop—Deborah Niven

Firm appoints head of intellectual property to drive northern growth

NEWS
Talk of a reserved ‘Welsh seat’ on the Supreme Court is misplaced. In NLJ this week, Professor Graham Zellick KC explains that the Constitutional Reform Act treats ‘England and Wales’ as one jurisdiction, with no statutory Welsh slot
The government’s plan to curb jury trials has sparked ‘jury furore’. Writing in NLJ this week, David Locke, partner at Hill Dickinson, says the rationale is ‘grossly inadequate’
A year after the $1.5bn Bybit heist, crypto fraud is booming—but so is recovery. Writing in NLJ this week, Neil Holloway, founder and CEO of M2 Recovery, warns that scams hit at least $14bn in 2025, fuelled by ‘pig butchering’ cons and AI deepfakes
After Woodcock confirmed no general duty to warn, debate turns to the criminal law. Writing in NLJ this week, Charles Davey of The Barrister Group urges revival of misprision or a modern equivalent
Family courts are tightening control of expert evidence. Writing in NLJ this week, Dr Chris Pamplin says there is ‘no automatic right’ to call experts; attendance must be ‘necessary in the interests of justice’ under FPR Pt 25
back-to-top-scroll