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.
Lady Justice Macur, Lady Justice Nicola Davies and Lady Justice Carr considered competing arguments at a Court of Appeal hearing in London in October and are due to deliver a ruling on Wednesday (February 15).
Judges have heard that Mr and Mrs Goddard-Watts married in 1996, separated in 2009 and reached an agreement over money, which was approved by a judge, in 2010. Mr Goddard-Watts had agreed that Mrs Goddard-Watts should get a house worth £3.25 million and a £4 million lump sum.
She subsequently complained that he had not revealed the full extent of his wealth. A judge then concluded that Mr Goddard-Watts had “given a false presentation” when making the 2010 agreement, and, in 2016, he was told to hand Mrs Goddard-Watts more than £6 million.
Mrs Goddard-Watts returned to court again in 2018 and made further complaints, saying Mr Goddard-Watts had not given full detail about the potential value of a deal he was involved in. A judge ruled in her favour in late 2019.
Mr Justice Holman said, if the pair could not agree on a sum, a judge should again reassess evidence and decide whether Mrs Goddard-Watts should get more money.
Sir Jonathan reconsidered the case in January 2022 and awarded Mrs Goddard-Watts, who had wanted more than £13 million, another £1.1 million.
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