A judge is now refusing to rescind the divorce, saying the "certainty and finality that flows from a final divorce order" must be respected.
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The Lede
A couple married for 21 years was mistakenly divorced by a prominent law firm due to a computer error. The lawyers representing the wife, Mrs. Williams, had intended to finalize a different couple's divorce while the Williams, who separated in 2023, were still negotiating their financial agreement. However, a solicitor mistakenly selected the Williams' case file instead, and finalized a divorce between the couple. Now, the presiding judge, Sir Andrew McFarlane, is refusing to rescind the order.
Key Details
- The judge said he simply believes in respecting the finality of divorce orders, and that this one must too be accepted to maintain "the status quo that it has established."
- Ayesha Vardag, the head of the law firm responsible for the mishap, has argued against the judge's decision, saying intention must also be considered in legal proceedings.
- Despite efforts to rectify the clerical error, the divorce order remains in place with no hopeful signs of being overturned.