(Newswire.net — October 20, 2017) — A High Court judge has granted F1 billionaire heiress Petra Ecclestone and estranged partner James Stunt, a settlement on their divorce. The grant will put an end to court proceedings that were due to resume at the Central Family Court in October.
At the proceedings, that were scheduled to go on for 2 days, an announcement was made saying that Ms Ecclestone and Mr Stunt, who were not present, had reached an agreement on several issues.
Before calling an end to the proceedings and after only 5 minutes, Judge Robin Tolsen QC announced, “I’m delighted about that and I congratulate both parties.”
While, Philip Cayford QC, Mr Stunt’s legal representative said, “Clearly both parties have come to agreement which is an extremely desirable outcome.”
Petra Ecclestone, 28, the daughter of Bernie Eccleston who made his fortune through his involvement in Formula One motor racing, married James Stunt 6 years ago and they have 3 children together.
The two began divorce proceedings earlier this year at a hearing that was told about the signing of a prenuptial agreement, worth £16 million to Mr Stunt. However, the couple had allegedly disagreed about what should happen to their £158 million mansion in Los Angeles and their Grade II-listed property in Chelsea, London.
After the settlement had been granted both Ms Ecclestone’s and Mr Stunt’s legal teams requested a decree nisi from Judge Tolsen, who duly agreed by saying, “I pronounce decree nisi for divorce.”
The 2 are expected to remain friends after their divorce and in a short statement, Mr Stunt said, “I am devastated that my marriage has broken down. I love Petra and our children and I hope the Press respect our privacy now as we carry out our most important responsibility of being mother and father to our wonderful children.”
The case highlights what an important part legal teams play in issues of family and divorce. In the first instance a good legal team will look to mediation as a way to resolve any issues that may arise from the situation, but if mediation fails, then they have a much wider remit to carry out.
Not only are they relied upon to prepare and submit the required legal documents, but they are also the voice of their client in and outside of the courtroom.
In the case of Ms Ecclestone and Mr Stunt legal proceedings were cut short due to an agreement facilitated by their legal representatives. This serves to be beneficial to both parties for a number of reasons.
First, the emotional energy that is needed when involved in a court hearing is minimized. In addition, a settlement of this nature will save those involved a considerable amount of money in fees.
Coming to an equitable agreement, generally speaking, will also serve as a much better solution for all concerned in the long term and when the case involves high profile individuals, as is the case here, will put an end to the media coverage and speculation that, inevitably, surrounds the events.