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Marco Pierre White divorce 'may impact on future cases'
Tue 12 Jan 2010
The outcome of a divorce case involving celebrity chef Marco Pierre White could set a precedent for the future, a legal observer has said.
Pierre White was recently permitted to take legal action against City law firm Withers after he claimed his personal documents had been intercepted and seized.
Frances Gibb, legal editor at the Times, said this has led to many family law solicitors receiving enquiries from clients looking to make similar claims.
Mr Pierre White's action is set to be heard in court later this year, but legal professionals are already expecting the outcome to have a bearing on future divorce cases.
Indeed, Ms Gibb said many believe the lawsuit could stop spouses from "turning detective" to obtain evidence that can be used in court.
Carol Ellinas, a partner at Winckworth Sherwood, has recommended that people seek professional advice on this issue.
"We give practical and ethical advice on how to deal with sensitive information which the client either owns or comes across," she commented.
"Clients need guidance and should be able to rely on the advice their solicitor gives them.
"There are always means of obtaining relevant information and documents without using illegal methods.
"Likewise we give prudent advice to clients who genuinely want to know whether or not they need to disclose particular information. We would never advise clients to intercept mail."
