NLJ this week: Potanin, prenups & privacy

In this case, the Court of Appeal confirmed there is no statutory requirement for a 'substantial' connection to England under Pt III applications, allowing the Russian billionaire’s ex-wife to pursue financial relief.

In Helliwell v Entwistle, a wife’s concealment of £43m led to her prenup being set aside, reaffirming the need for full disclosure in marital agreements.

Meanwhile, BC v BC reinforced confidentiality in Financial Dispute Resolution hearings—private or court-based—prohibiting any reference to negotiations.

The authors also note new Family Justice Council guidance on covert recordings and a positive evaluation of the Pathfinder court pilot, which has improved outcomes and reduced trauma in child arrangement cases.