Expert Analysis - Charmaine Hast comments on the Prest Judgment

Charmaine Hast, head of the family department at London law firm Wedlake Bell, says:

'The unanimous Supreme Court decision reconstitutes what English law has always stood for, which is transparency and the inability to hide behind the skirts of corporate and trust veils.

'The law of England and Wales has always led the world in never being afraid to pierce the corporate veil in family law, and it is extremely satisfying to know that the Law Lords, of which Lady Hale is the only family Lady Lord, have come to their decision unanimously.

'I believe this ruling will cut down on legal costs being incurred unnecessarily by parties in contemplation of divorces, even if it is a long way down the line and a possibility, planning their affairs so as to circumvent justice, which now they cannot do.

'This will help England to continue leading the world on transparency, disclosure and frankness, and in being incapable of hijack.

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