During a divorce case, there will normally be at least a discussion about the financial divorce settlement figures. (The system calls this "ancillary relief"). Within this a Form E is completed and one issue within it is to complete a list of what needs to be spent on a monthly basis or what a person actually needs and would like to pay out if they could get the maintenance from the other to do so.
As in all areas of divorce law, it is important to be realistic. Claiming maintenance from a soon to be ex spouse (STBE) to cover a holiday for self and the children is surely reasonable. But over the years we have seen items described as "essentials" where we are almost tempted to hide them from the STBE:
Car insurance increase (to cover new boyfriend driving, too)
Holiday (with new girlfriend)
Counselling for dog
Parking fines (anticipated!)
Pair of new shoes £500
MPs' claims are not that different, I understand!
It is important when getting a divorce (and maybe for MPs too) to be sensible and realistic. It is very hard to criticise someone who is.
Andrew Woolley
Divorce Solicitor