An ex-wife has taken legal action against her former husband 18 years after their divorce. Kathleen Wyatt took legal action against her former husband Dale Vince, who is the founder of wind-power firm Ecotricity, with the business tycoon estimated to be worth around £107 million.
The couple was divorced prior to Mr Vince had made his millions.
Despite appealing against the legal action taken by Ms Wyatt due to it starting so late following the divorce, the Supreme Court ruled that she was allowed to make a claim.
The court ruled that although Ms Wyatt had reason to make a claim, the amount of compensation she was looking for was too much. Ms Wyatt had been looking to claim almost £2 million from her former husband.
Delivering the ruling, Lord Wilson said the court must have regard "to the contribution of each party to the welfare of the family, including by looking after the home or caring for the family".
According to the court, the claim made by Ms Wyatt was "legally recognisable" and not an "abuse of process."
The rules highlight that regardless of a situation, if you have gone through a painful separation, you will be able to make a claim.
In a statement, Mr Vince branded the court's decision "mad".
He said: "I feel that we all have a right to move on, and not be looking over our shoulders.
"This could signal open season for people who had brief relationships a quarter of a century ago."
He added that it was "hard to defend yourself" under such circumstances.
If you have gone through a divorce and believe you have the right to make a claim, contact us today using our online contact form.
