AAL Bizarre: Lineker calls for ‘divorce equation’

May 03, 2016

Written By Jack J Collins, Editor, AllAboutLaw.co.uk

In a strange case this week, ex-footballer, TV pundit and crisp connoisseur Gary Lineker hit out at the proceedings for divorces in the UK and called for a mathematical equation to standardise the process.

“Just generally speaking, it’s very easy to get married and very difficult to get divorced,” he said. “And we know that lawyers try to manipulate it to make you spend more money and basically end up hating each other.”

He then presented his idea for a solution, during the same interview the the Radio Times. “I think there should be a mathematical equation that goes straight to the courts and they sort it out.”

Lineker, who has recently split up with his second wife, Danielle Bux, announced that their split was amicable and that it had only cost them around £400, because instead of using divorce lawyers and having court battles, they used a government website to work out how to split funds.

He claims that the mathematical solution would make life easier for divorcing couples, and would mean that more couples felt they were able to talk through a solution and remain amicable, rather than fighting each other across a courtroom.

However, lawyers have hit back at Lineker’s claims, stating that no two divorces are the same, and therefore no one-size-fits-all policy would be able to provide the right answer all the time given the circumstances.

Rachel Giles from Blake Morgan Solicitors, stated in a response to Lineker that: “legal advice is key in making sure that the agreement that is reached is fair and even possible,” and stated that whilst the ex-footballer was lucky to be in such an amicable position where he could sit down and work things through with Bux, that scenario was more rare than one might expect.

Sarah Cornes, of TWM Solicitors, went further in her response, claiming that: “no two family situations, and no two divorces, are the same. It would therefore be impossible to formulate a straightforward ‘equation’ which would take into account all factors and give a fair outcome in each and every case. Indeed, it is not until there has been full disclosure of each party’s financial means and a consideration of the matter as a whole, that a financial agreement can be properly considered.”

It is clear that whilst Lineker’s equation is a well meaning attempt to try and simplify the process, it remains rather an ill-thought through remark which has drawn criticism from across the legal sector. And considering his own divorce has come at a time where he has to present Match of the Day in his boxers next weekend, maybe the equation should be the least of his worries!

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