Mrs Tini Owens sought to divorce her husband, Hugh, on grounds of the irretrievable breakdown of her marriage, arguing that his behaviour had been such that she could not reasonably be expected to live with him within the meaning of s.1(2)(b) Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. She cited various incidents, including occasions where he was alleged to have made disparaging or hurtful remarks to her in front of third parties. Mr Owens defended the case, arguing that the examples of his behaviour that she had cited did not satisfy the requirements of s.1(2)(b). Both the judge at first instance and the Court of Appeal rejected her petition.

In Owens v Owens [2018] UKSC 41, the Supreme Court unanimously rejected her appeal – Continue reading →