CHRISTIANA QUARTSON vs. PIOUS POPE QUARTSON

The parties lived together as husband and wife for about 25 years. The petitioner commenced divorce proceedings on grounds of unreasonable behaviour and adultery and sought, among other reliefs, dissolution of the marriage, custody of the minor child, an order that the respondent vacate the matrimonial home, substantial financial provision, and payment of her alleged entitlements in relation to Pious Trading and Construction Company Limited, including director’s fees and the value of 40% shares. The respondent cross-petitioned for dissolution, custody of the children, and an order that the petitioner vacate the matrimonial home. The central controversy on appeal concerned whether the wife’s non-financial contributions, including supervision of the construction of the matrimonial home and domestic support during the marriage, entitled her to a proprietary or financial interest in the matrimonial property. Portion of judgment: “The Petitioner and the Respondent lived together as husband and wife for 25 years… sought the following reliefs…” and later, “It was the petitioner who solely supervised the construction of the house from the foundation level until the house was completely and satisfactorily built… when the respondent was incarcerated in Liverpool, the petitioner took on the responsibility of taking care of their three children.”