When Non-disclosure Unravels a Settlement
Friday, 9th January 2026Author – Rayner Grice | Clarke Willmott
Lawyers from national law firm Clarke Willmott look at a recent family law dispute which highlights complex family asset structures
A complex family law dispute hit the headlines recently with former manager of Australian rock band INXS, Maria Christina Copinger-Symes, becoming embroiled in a £14 million divorce and financial remedies dispute following the overturning of a financial order for “material non-disclosure.”
The case involves a family dispute between Ms. Copinger-Symes and her ex-husband, an SAS Major, James Copinger-Symes, who separated in 2022.
As part of the financial remedy settlement Ms. Copinger-Symes agreed to pay a lump sum to her ex-husband of £1.2 million, leaving her approximately £5 million from the couple’s joint marital assets.
The ensuing dispute stems from a gift Mr. Copinger-Symes received for the sum of £27.6 million from Ms. Copinger-Symes’ parents after their separation. Ms. Copinger-Symes argued this was not disclosed at the time of the settlement and constitutes “material non-disclosure”.
Ms. Copinger-Symes is now seeking a £14 million share of that gift received by her ex-husband.
Ms. Copinger-Symes’ family dynamics are said to be fragile following an alleged property dispute which led to family tensions and animosity.
In contrast, Mr. Copinger-Symes argues the gift was not a secret, is non-matrimonial in nature and as such should be disregarded. His position is that the monies gifted to him were only paid in the knowledge that Ms. Copinger-Symes would not receive a share.
This personal backdrop underscores how complex financial disputes in divorce can intertwine with generational wealth and fractured family relationships.
The heart of this case highlights key family law issues regarding full financial disclosure and the overturning of financial orders due to newly revealed assets – and ignites the long-standing argument between what should be treated as “matrimonial” and “non-matrimonial” assets.
Following a two-day hearing, Judgment is reserved to be given at a later date by Court of Appeal Judges Lord Justice Moylan, Lady Justice Andrews and Lord Justice Nugee. Its progression will likely be watched closely by practitioners dealing with complex assets structures in family law.
Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton.
If you require advice regarding complex family asset structures please contact Rayner Grice [email protected], Adam Maguire [email protected] or Stacey Collins [email protected].