Property slump a woe for separating couples

THE slump in the property market is leading to serious problems for couples looking to separate, a top judge has said.

Judge John O’Hagan, of the northern circuit family court, said more and more cases were now being re-opened because there was no longer any equity left in the family home.

He said he would have to consider simply ordering fathers to pay the mortgage in lieu of maintenance because they could not afford anything more.