The ex-wife of a multi-millionaire businessman, whose family founded the Screwfix chain, is waiting to see whether she has won the latest leg of a long-running cash battle after complaining about being left with less than 10 per cent of assets worth more than £80 million.
Julia Goddard-Watts and James Goddard-Watts, who are both in their late 50s, staged the latest round of a long-running fight at the Court of Appeal in London, in October, following the breakdown of their relationship of more than 20 years. A barrister representing Mrs Goddard-Watts told three appeal judges that a ruling by a judge in the Family Division of the High Court meant that she was walking away with £7.4 million, and Mr Goddard-Watts was left with £75 million.
Peter Mitchell KC said decisions by judge Sir Jonathan Cohen earlier this year meant that Mrs Goddard-Watts would be left with less than 10 per cent of assets. Mrs Goddard-Watts wants decisions made by Sir Jonathan overturned – Mr Goddard-Watts says her appeal should be dismissed.
