Manches has won the latest round in the battle over the largest divorce settlement in UK history, after the Court of Appeal upheld the £48m pay-out awarded to the estranged wife of insurance magnate John Charman last year.

Charman has already announced his intention to appeal against the decision, which was handed down this morning (24 May).

Mrs Charman was advised by Manches family law partner Helen Ward, with Martin Pointer QC of 1 Hare Court and Wilberforce Chambers' Christopher Nugee QC acting as counsel.

Withers family law partner Mark Harper advised Charman, who instructed Barry Singleton QC of 1 King's Bench Walk and Serle Court's Alan Boyle QC as counsel.

Legal fees resulting from the case, which could now go on to the House of Lords, already total more than £5m.

In a nine-page postscript, the presiding judges said English divorce law should be reviewed by the Law Commission, describing London as "the divorce capital of the world for aspiring wives".

Mrs Charman filed for divorce last year, seeking £59m after a 29-year marriage. She was awarded £48m by the High Court last July – £28m more than Charman had been willing to pay.

Commenting on the ruling, Charman said: "I am just the latest high earner to be penalised by this flawed system."

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