FOR RICHER OR POORER

Separated couples can no longer assume the sale of their home can be used to settle separation or divorce judgements. A High Court decision this week found that highly-geared properties cannot be sold to settle family law cases because of the poor outlook for property and the likelihood of interest rate increases.

The Sunday Business Post reports that Mr Justice Abbot was passing judgement in a judicial separation case between a businessman who committed adultery and his wife.  The judge gave the wife the right to stay in the five bedroom home and €59,600 in annual maintenance from the husband for herself and the children. The husband was given a €150,000 equity stake in the property so he could eventually buy a bigger apartment that would accommodate his