A DAD has won a fight to keep his daughter in state school after his ex-wife demanded £230,000 to send her to private education.
Top barrister Jason Galbraith-Marten, 55, and his Australian painter ex Catherine de Renée have been battling in divorce courts in the UK and down under since their marriage failed in 2009.
Ms De Renee, 45, who specialises in “erotic” female portraits, was unhappy with a financial settlement reached in Australia, in which she was handed just £72,500 of the marital assets.
She said she was left relying on benefits, whilst her millionaire barrister ex continued living in the £1.6m former matrimonial home in Fulham with his new partner.
In the latest battle, Ms de Renée begged the High Court to ensure her ex would pay a lump sum of £230,000 “to finance their daughter’s private education”.
But Judge Mr Justice Mostyn today rejected her bid – meaning their child will remain at state school.
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It comes after Ms De Renee made numerous “fabricated” false allegations in the last few years against her ex, including criminal behaviour ranging “from attempted murder” and “attacks on her cat”.
Justice Mostyn explained: “There is a very lengthy history to this case. Proceedings between the parties began in Australia in March 2009, when their daughter was merely 15 months old.
“Furious litigation has continued ever since, both in Australia and England.
“In numerous respects… the mother had been deliberately untruthful when making accusations of the utmost seriousness (about her ex).
“Even if the father has the means to pay for private education for his daughter, it would in my judgment not only be contrary to her interests but fundamentally unjust were he to be ordered to do so.”
However, Justice Mostyn did grant her permission to have her ex’s monthly maintenance payments for their 15-year-old daughter almost doubled as Mr Galbraith-Marten’s career has become much more successful since the original order was made.
He will now have to increase those child maintenance payments from £1,315 to £4,350 per month, backdated to April 2020.
Mr Galbraith-Marten is a top employment law specialist who took silk in 2014.
He and his painter ex were together for two and half years and had one daughter before the marriage collapsed in 2009.
Judge Mostyn explained: “I have to say, notwithstanding the oppressive nature of the mother’s conduct towards the father, that the present level of general maintenance strikes me as too low.
“He is a leader in the field of employment and equality law. I would be surprised if his gross taxable income – including dividends – was less than £350,000.
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“In my judgment the mother’s proposed application to vary the general maintenance is arguable, and permission should be granted to bring it.”
He went on to order Mr Galbraith-Marten to provide evidence of his earnings to the court before the next hearing.
