Kathryn Hicklin, family law specialist at QualitySolicitors Mander Cruickshank said some historical divorces will now be open to scrutiny after Alison Sharland and Varsha Gohil created a media storm with their recent court victories.

Both women had said the true extent of the wealth of former spouses was concealed when the deals were made, and now both claims will return to the High Court.

Ms Sharland, from Cheshire, accepted £10m in her 2010 divorce from her wealthy software entrepreneur husband, believing this represented half of his wealth.

It later transpired his company’s value was estimated by the financial press to be worth approximately £600m.

Meanwhile, Ms Gohil, from north London, accepted £270,000 and a car as a settlement when she divorced her husband in 2002.

However, in 2010, Mr Gohil was jailed for money laundering and at the criminal trial evidence revealed he had failed to disclose his real wealth during divorce proceedings.

“Here at QualitySolicitors Mander Cruickshank we have been watching these ladies court battles with interest,” said Ms Hicklin.

“This isn’t a case of having a second bite of the cherry as some of the media has made out,” she said. “Really it only applies to cases where the disclosure of assets has been questionable,” she added.

“Whilst the circumstances of these wealthy women may not apply to everyday cases the principles behind their victories do,” added Ms Hicklin, whose firm have offices in both Coalville and Hinckley.

“The fact is these cases have set a new precedent about how the courts should act where dishonest information is used in agreeing a divorce settlement is at a later date found to be in some way false or incomplete,” she said.

Anyone wishing to know more about this story or anything to do with family law should call QualitySolicitors Mander Cruickshank on 01530 510666.