A significant reported judgment for the Laurus Family team

We are delighted to recognise the outstanding work of Kirsty Kelleher, Nicholas Wilkinson KC and the wider Laurus Family team in ST v NT (Maintenance Pending Suit) [2026] EWFC 171.

Laurus acted for the wife, with Nicholas Wilkinson KC instructed to represent her at the hearing, in an application for maintenance pending suit during ongoing financial remedy proceedings.

Mr Justice MacDonald ordered the husband to provide maintenance pending suit of £12,000 per month, inclusive of the £5,000 in monthly drawings already available to the wife.

In addition, the business is to continue meeting a number of expenses separately, including the wife’s housing and property maintenance costs, private medical insurance, mobile phone costs, vehicle expenses and the children’s school fees.

The court found that an order was necessary to provide the wife and children with financial stability in the interim while the financial proceedings continue. Reliance on payments made by the husband on an ad hoc basis was not considered appropriate and, the judgment observed, risked becoming a form of control.

When assessing the husband’s ability to pay, the court was also prepared to draw robust assumptions because of deficiencies in the disclosure surrounding the business accounts and company credit cards through which much of the family’s expenditure had historically been funded in line with previous and well-known authorities.

Although the court scrutinised the wife’s budget carefully and reduced certain elements, it concluded that her and the children’s reasonable immediate needs were significantly greater than the £5,000 in monthly drawings then being provided.

This result reflects Kirsty’s exceptional management of a complex financial remedy matter and her determined focus on achieving security for her client. The case was superbly prepared with the support of Ella Potter, Ally Stuart and Camilla Hooper, working alongside Nicholas Wilkinson KC.

A brilliant team effort and an outcome of which we are immensely proud.

How we can help

Laurus Family is highly regarded for its strategic and empathetic advice on complex matrimonial, children and financial matters, with particular strength in mediation and out-of-court dispute resolution. The team is recognised by Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, Spear’s 500 and Doyle’s Guide.

For discreet and confidential advice, call 020 3146 6300 or email enquiries@lauruslaw.co.uk.