Mr and Mrs Strahan, as they are known in the case, started the process of getting divorced all the way back in 2006 after marrying in 1994. Since then, they have been fighting an enormously expensive legal battle to resolve disputes over their assets.

According to the Australian press, the case has only now been settled – a total of twelve years since the divorce process first began. This makes it the longest-lasting divorce case the country has ever seen. During the case, Mrs Strahan has employed no fewer than 15 different law firms, with the total expense to both parties coming in at no less than $35 million Australian dollars.

Dispute centres on spousal maintenance

When the couple separated in 2005, Mr Strahan also gave his estranged wife a lump sum of $7 million, and a judge later awarded a further $13 million.

However, one of the main disputes in this case seems to hinge on a claim for spousal maintenance by Mrs Strahan. She originally requested maintenance of $278,000 a week from her former spouse, of which a portion ($70,760) would go towards the care of their adult son who has autism. Mrs Strahan also told courts that their son has “anxiety, insomnia, seizures and Lyme disease” and requires round-the-clock assistance from a team of carers including a security guard, autism expert and personal chefs.

Judge finally rules in favour of husband

Family court judge Paul Cronin has now closed the case, ruling in favour of Mr Strahan and ignoring his estranged wife’s request for another adjournment. He was quoted by The Australian newspaper as saying:

“After 12 years of waiting, and at huge expense, the husband is entitled to have the matter concluded.”

Judge Cronin has awarded Mr Strahan the couple’s Swiss chalet and $38 million in cash. To Mrs Strahan, five of the couple’s properties and $11 million. He ruled that as Mr Strahan already had several successful businesses and a weekly income of $90,000 when he entered the relationship, he was entitled to keep a greater proportion of the couple’s assets.

Mrs Strahan can appeal the decision on the settlement, but if she chooses not to or appeals and is rejected, the couple can start the final process of legally separating.

Facing your own dispute over finances?

Unfortunately, money can be one of the most difficult and complicated aspects of getting divorced – especially if you don’t agree on who is entitled to what. This is why it is essential to have a highly trained, experienced solicitor on your side, to represent your interests and negotiate for the very best settlement. Contact Tracey Miller Family Law’s expert Wirral divorce solicitors for advice you can rely on.