Couple's Divorce Payments Raised after 15 Years

A man has been told by the Court of Appeal to give his ex-wife more money after she spent all of the lump sum she was originally awarded.

Maria Mills, 51, received a £230,000 payout in 2002 but was in debt after a series of "unwise" investments, the court heard.

Graham Mills, 50, must now support her for life, increasing the £1,100 a month he currently pays, to £1,1441.

The couple married in 1988, and have a now grown-up son. They separated in 2001 and divorced in 2002. Mr Mills had argued that he should not have to "pick up the tab" 15 years on from the divorce.

Mr Mills had agreed to give Mrs Mills almost all of their "liquid capital" when they divorced, while he kept his business.

The court heard that Mrs Mills had made some "unwise" property investments and now works two days a week as a beauty therapist.

Frank Feehan, representing Mrs Mills, said she had been left with the responsibility for the couple's young child and without enough money to buy a house that she considered "good enough."

In the ruling, Sir Ernest Ryder said Mr Mills had the ability to make the increased maintenance "until a further order of the court."

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Divorce Solicitors