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Graham Mills raised £13,157 from 236 supporters
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Closed 28/02/2018
Iʼve raised £13,157 to to create a fairer legal precedent for maintenance payments
- Guildford, United Kingdom
- Funded on Wednesday, 28th February 2018
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Story
I am Graham Mills, I am raising funds to create a fairer legal precedent for men in divorce. A recent High Court decision against me has set a dangerous precedent and has set maintenance awards back 20 years. The ruling affects anyone who is going to get divorced and anyone who is currently paying maintenance. The ruling has created a public outcry and left the legal profession and courts unsure of the ramifications.
Fifteen years ago, I divorced and have supported my ex wife & son generously ever since. I also paid her a £230,000 lump sum, which should have been used to safely house her and our son. However though her extravagant spending she blew it all, as well as all the money she made on house purchases, in just 7 years. I took her to court to end the maintenance payments. She claimed she could only work 2 or 3 days a week. The judge unbelievably ruled that I need to continue to pay her for life, effectively excusing her spending and allowing her to only work 3 days a week despite evidence that she is capable of working full time.
Despite that, my ex wife then took me to the High Court claiming that she could not meet her basic needs and won an increase in the maintenance payments that I make to her.
The ruling has effectively made me responsible for her financial mismanagement. This will now apply to anyone in a similar situation.
The Press claimed my case effectively made men “cash machines for life” –and I’m inclined to agree.
I see this ruling as not only completely unfair for me, but one that has implications for all men.
My case has been widely publicised and could affect all current and future maintenance awards. I’ve been contacted by many men who feel the law is punishing them, too.
That’s why I’ve decided to take my fight to the Supreme Court – but to do that, I need your help.
Defending this has left me with debts. But I’ve come too far to give up. Now I need to raise £50,000 to take my maintenance case to the Supreme Court.
Updates
2
- 6 years ago
Graham Mills
6 years agoHi all This week the Supreme Court ruled in my favour and overturned the horrendous precedent decision by the Appeal Court to increase my maintenance in Feb '17. However it's a hollow victory because the SC was not prepared to look at the wider issue of why I am paying ANY of her rent when she had enough to house herself mortgage free. I think the SC have missed the opportunity to rule on this wider issue which would benefit everyone. Therefore the battle is won but the war is not over. Big thanks for all the support & messages, it means a lot.
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- 7 years ago
Graham Mills
7 years agoShare this update to help us raise more
Graham Mills started crowdfunding
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Supporters
236
Martin Maher
Feb 21, 2018
Hi Graham, I have been following your case and am utterly gobsmacked by the courts decision! I am also in a similar situation and wish you all the best with your appeal.
Tony
Feb 7, 2018
I too am a cash machine
£10.00
Anonymous
Jan 16, 2018
Orders such as these are unfair and have no place in modern society.
£50.00
David Ayling
Nov 21, 2017
I take only the side of fairness and reason.....and in this case it quite plainly lies with you. I trust for the right outcome.
£50.00
Anonymous
Nov 21, 2017
I complete,y agree with you.
Anonymous
Nov 20, 2017
Well done on pursuing this. It is an unfair and sexist system that must change. Every person who has ever been caught up in it wishes you all the very best of luck.
£100.00
Anonymous
Nov 20, 2017
Good luck. The current system is grossly unfair and needs to be changed.
£25.00
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