Australia's Most Expensive Divorce: A 14-Year Legal Battle

After what News.com.au calls a "14-year saga," an extremely contentious high-stakes split between an unidentified wealthy couple has finally drawn to a close, setting a record for Australia's most expensive divorce (at least in terms of legal fees) in the process. The total divorce cost reached a staggering $40 million AUD in combined legal fees, translating to more than $28 million in American dollars. This lengthy legal battle has captivated the public and highlighted the complexities of high-net-worth divorces.

The divorce involved sixteen law firms and encompassed 61 different rulings. There were a vast number of hearings and a sea of documents that numbered around 700. The couple, who married in 1994, first filed for divorce in 2005. In their final appeal decision, judges pointed out that the former couple had been litigating about their marriage longer than they were married.

Much of the prolonged dispute can be attributed to accusations of financial impropriety on the husband's part and the wife's reputation as a "vexatious litigant." Justice Paul Cronin noted that years had passed with little clarity on what the wife was seeking, despite the parade of lawyers involved. This case serves as a testament to the emotional and financial toll of lengthy divorce proceedings.

As this case exemplifies, navigating divorce can be a complex and lengthy process, especially when substantial assets are involved. It is crucial for individuals facing similar situations to understand the potential costs and challenges that lie ahead.