divorce

Divorce, despite the best efforts of the parties and their solicitors, can sometimes be a traumatic, and difficult process. Divorce proceedings are often more complicated, and the animosity between the parties can increase, where as well as being married, there is a family business. We look at some of the ways in which the courts in England and Wales approach the family business within divorce proceedings.

Living longer thanks to advances in healthcare and technology means family business leaders may marry and have children more than once, with huge repercussions around the kitchen table and the boardroom table. James Beech looks at how ‘blended families’ and family businesses mix

A third gen of the Walmart dynasty is facing a difficult divorce from her husband of six years, after filing a civil lawsuit claiming he stole money from her during their marriage.

Paige Laurie is divorcing her husband Patrick "Bo" Dubbert citing irreconcilable differences, but also lodged a civil suit on the grounds he siphoned cash from a business they operated together.

Laurie, the granddaughter of Bud Walton, the brother of Walmart founder Sam Walton, and Dubbert owned a shopping centre in Malibu that Dubbert managed.

Lawyers and family business experts suggest a divorce like the one Rupert Murdoch is facing could be a big distraction for a company boss, particularly at a time when the business faces challenges – as the Murdoch empire might following its recent split into two firms.

Senior partner and co-founder of Banyan Family Business Advisors Henry Foley said divorce increases tension within the family business, and multiple divorces compound these impacts. Murdoch, 82, filed for divorce from Wendi Deng last week – he has already been through two other divorces.