Annabelle Boucher, 48, from Somerset, claims her divorce from her ex-husband, David Rogers, cost her more than £105,000. She stated she paid Mr Rogers £75,000 and incurred over £30,000 in legal costs, despite him admitting to coercive and controlling behaviour.
Mr Rogers, 61, pleaded guilty to coercive and controlling behaviour at Taunton Crown Court in April 2026 and received a 20-month suspended prison sentence. Ms Boucher said she believes the divorce law does not adequately consider criminal behaviour during proceedings.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has initiated a consultation to reform the law, aiming for family courts to better address the needs of domestic abuse victims. An MoJ spokesperson acknowledged the impact of domestic abuse, including economic abuse and coercive control, on victims.
Olive Craig, a senior legal officer for Rights of Women, noted that divorce courts often require a very high threshold to consider domestic abuse, particularly coercive control, in financial decisions. Kit O'Brien, a family law specialist, said there is increased recognition of domestic violence's effect, but further changes are needed.