The research covers Europe, the US, South Africa and New Zealand. The main distinguishing factor for England is that judges have more discretion - particularly on the amount and length of payments - than those in other countries. In some states the judges are tied by formulae to certain outcomes. 

Attracts City lawyers

The effect has been to attract more City lawyers to the sector, says Catherine Thomas of Vardags which last month helped Michelle Young win a £20m settlement from her husband, Scot. Ms Thomas said: 'Family law used to be seen as quite soft and less intellectually demanding than corporate law, but now it has attracted City lawyers who use their skills in family law and that is seen as quite normal.' Source: Financial Times