Partner A inherited shares in one company prior to marrying. During the 35 year marriage, the couple accumulated 20x the number of original inherited shares, mainly because of generous rights issues by the company. Now the couple is going through a settlement. Which interpretation would be most likely in a family court?
a) All shares (acquired either pre or during marriage) should be divided 50/50
b) The inherited shares stay with Partner A and the remaining (20x) shares acquired during marriage are split 50/50
c) The inherited shares and any shares acquired through a rights issue go to Partner A because their purchase would only have been possible with the rights from the original inherited shares. The remaining shares acquired through normal on-market purchases should be split 50/50.
d) ...Some other interpretation?
a) All shares (acquired either pre or during marriage) should be divided 50/50
b) The inherited shares stay with Partner A and the remaining (20x) shares acquired during marriage are split 50/50
c) The inherited shares and any shares acquired through a rights issue go to Partner A because their purchase would only have been possible with the rights from the original inherited shares. The remaining shares acquired through normal on-market purchases should be split 50/50.
d) ...Some other interpretation?