England: Woman given £10m on divorce denied ‘meal ticket for life’

Kim Waggott, 49, was told by appeal judges to get a job if she needs more money.

Her ex-husband, William Waggott, 54, an accountant, was ordered to give his ex-wife £9.76m, which allowed her to buy a £2m house in Cheshire as well as a holiday home in Mallorca following their split in 2012.

Mr Waggott was also ordered to pay her £175,000 a year in personal maintenance for the rest of their lives.

However, judges have now ruled that the payments must be stopped in three years’ time.

Nigel Dyer QC, for Mr Waggott, argued that the maintenance should end in two years and that Ms Waggott should start working.

“How long should an order based on sharing last for? When does the meter stop ticking?” he said.

“It is unfair to expect the husband to continue working long hours in demanding employment and not expect the wife to realise her earning potential as soon as is reasonably practicable.”

Ms Waggott argued that her payments were not generous enough.

James Turner QC asked on her behalf for an additional £23,000 to be added to her yearly maintenance.

Lord Justice Moylan said: “The expression ‘meal ticket for life’ can be used as an unfair trope. I, of course, acknowledge that long-term maintenance can be required as part of a fair outcome (in a divorce).

“But it is plain to me that the wife would be able to adjust without undue hardship to the termination of maintenance.”