Eammon and Ruth divorce – planning the financial way forward

Eamonn and Ruth announced last year they were to divorce, after 14 years of marriage, and Eamonn has since moved on with a new partner, Katie Alexander.

Eamonn is said to want to get his finances back in order after his production company accrued debts, with sources claiming he is “dragging his feet” in the divorce and feels “hard done by”.

Ruth, however, is said to be keen to finalise their split and is looking to keep their £3.6million home.

The divorce is thought to be stalling while the former couple, whose relationship has become increasingly acrimonious, sort out their finances.

It is not known whether Eamonn and Ruth had a pre nuptial agreement in place when they married.

Family law experts at Slater and Gordon advise that, in the absence of a pre nup, an equal split of assets is most likely.

“The starting point on a lengthy marriage is equality. But if one half of a couple is finding things more difficult, it can be hard to ‘cut their cloth’ and accept they cannot maintain the lifestyle they once knew, if the assets are not there to support that,” says Rebecca Cliff, associate at Slater and Gordon.

“Trying to resolve things as amicably as possible is always advisable, so agreement can be reached and both parties can move on in their lives. Eamonn and Ruth will not be able to finalise their divorce until the financial matters are resolved – and if Ruth does want to keep the house, then it must be on terms that do not disadvantage Eamonn.

“If a point has been reached between separating couples where they can no longer agree on the way forward, specialist family lawyers will be able to help. Sometimes the friendliest of separations can become difficult if there are arguments over assets, so seeking the advice and support of lawyers can help to achieve resolution.”

For advice on division of assets, or any other aspect of divorce, family law specialists at Slater and Gordon can help. Call us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.