How straightforward is the 'sharing principle'? =============================================== ![How straightforward is the 'sharing principle'?](https://vardags.com/images/pictures/_360/dffb49c3653050fb49b44947ad109292.jpeg)Many people understand the term 'sharing principle' in the context of the 'equal distribution of assets' in the financial proceedings of a divorce. Does this principle apply however, when the parties have made an unmatched contribution to the marriage? Prior to *White v White*, if, for example a man made more of a financial contribution to the family, then this would be recognised in his favour when it came to the division of assets, on the basis that financial contribution could not be matched by that of his homemaker wife. Lord Nichols, however, recognised that financial contribution is only *one* of the factors to consider when deciding on the distribution of assets after a divorce. We have him to thank for the removal of prejudice towards other contributions, such as raising a family. This recognition pertains, however, to assets created during the period of the marriage. What should happen with wealth acquired *before* the marriage, and inheritance? People assume that what they bring to the marriage is theirs to keep after a divorce. The simple answer to this is, 'who knows?'. Ward LJ in *Robson v Robson* stated that the *source*and *nature* of the assets are the two elements to consider and that there *may* be good reasons to depart from equality of division. For example, if the *source* of the wealth is inheritance from a parent, one has a good chance of protecting it. If you owned a beautiful estate in the English countryside prior to your marriage, it looks as though the law will favour you keeping it. The main issue in the end, however, is that *needs-based*claims are always a priority over protecting pre-acquired assets. Unless there is a surplus to go around, your pre-acquired assets are not necessarily safe! To read more about division of assets, click [here](https://vardags.com/law-guide/important-divorce-cases) "Ayesha Vardag - Britain's top divorce lawyer." ![The Huffington Post](https://vardags.com/images/logo/huffpost.png) "Ayesha Vardag - Woman of the Year"![GG2](https://vardags.com/images/logo/gg2-3.png) "Leading, Magic Circle law firm."Mr Justice Coleridge "A handful of firms dominate the so-called 'glamour' end of the market ... Vardags"The Times "One of the best divorce lawyers in the country"Marie Claire "Ayesha Vardag - 'diva of divorce' for the world's super rich" ![BBC](https://vardags.com/images/logo/bbc.png) "Dr Stephen Bence is a financial genius."Lewis Marks KC "Ayesha Vardag - the Queen of divorce"Daily Mail "Vardags brilliantly argued my case to a resounding victory"Pauline Chai (client) "Britain's top divorce lawyer" ![The Telegraph](https://vardags.com/images/logo/telegraph.png) More Divorce news ----------------- [What to look for when hiring a divorce lawyer](https://vardags.com/family-law/what-to-look-for-when-hiring-a-divorce-lawyer "What to look for when hiring a divorce lawyer") [What makes a top divorce lawyer?](https://vardags.com/family-law/what-makes-a-top-divorce-lawyer "What makes a top divorce lawyer?") [How straightforward is the 'sharing principle'?](https://vardags.com/family-law/the-sharing-principle "How straightforward is the 'sharing principle'?") [Cohabitation v Marriage- how can prenups help you decide?](https://vardags.com/family-law/cohabitation-v-marriage "Cohabitation v Marriage- how can prenups help you decide?") [Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore to divorce](https://vardags.com/family-law/ashton-kutcher-and-demi-moore-to-divorce "Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore to divorce") Articles by Georgina Hamblin ---------------------------- [Cracking down on breaches of family orders](https://vardags.com/family-law/cracking-down-on-breaches-of-family-orders "Cracking down on breaches of family orders") [Farewell to the CSA: Child Maintenance Service (CMS) phased in](https://vardags.com/family-law/child-maintenance-service-cms "Farewell to the CSA: Child Maintenance Service (CMS) phased in") [How straightforward is the 'sharing principle'?](https://vardags.com/family-law/the-sharing-principle "How straightforward is the 'sharing principle'?") [The Sunday Times speaks to Caroline Korah and Georgina Hamblin about the use of smart tech in child and divorce proceedings](https://vardags.com/family-law/the-sunday-times-speaks-to-caroline-korah-and-georgina-hamblin-about-use-of-smart-tech-in-child-and-divorce-proceedings "The Sunday Times speaks to Caroline Korah and Georgina Hamblin about the use of smart tech in child and divorce proceedings") [Vardags named as one the UK's leading female-powered businesses](https://vardags.com/family-law/lawyers-vardags-one-of-top-200-female-powered-businesses "Vardags named as one the UK's leading female-powered businesses")