The Metro reports that Viki Maughan and Richard Wilmot are now in their 16^th year of divorce ‘limbo’ following a split back in 2001. The case centres on Viki Maughan’s daughter, who is now 18 years old. She claims that Mr Wilmot, a pilot for Turkish Airlines, is the father of the child. He has repeatedly denied the claim, saying that the 18-year-old was fathered by a former lover of his ex-wife.

Ms Maughan has been seeking backdated child maintenance for the years she spent bringing up her daughter alone while Mr Wilmot, who is understood to be a millionaire, is refusing to pay.

DNA test results denied

The simplest way to determine who is the girl’s father – a DNA test – has already been carried out. The test named Mr Wilmot as the father, but surprisingly he has rejected the results and says he is convinced that the child is not his.

A court ruled that Mr Wilmot must pay up as part of a financial settlement reached with Ms Maughan back in 2001. He claims he has paid £390,000 in child maintenance and therefore does not owe any more money.

Over the years, a number of allegations have been made by both parties in relation to the settlement. Mr Wilmot reportedly claims that the divorce settlement was ‘obtained by fraud on the part of Ms Maughan’ and that the daughter’s birth certificate is ‘flawed’ and a ‘fabrication’. Meanwhile Ms Maughan, who was his third wife, says that her former husband has been ‘playing technical games’ in order to avoid court orders.

Will this case ever be decided?

Jonathan Swift, a representative for Ms Maughan is quoted as stating on behalf of his client:

“Her sincere wish is that this court should dispose of this matter with as many restraining directions as possible, so that it may never be resurrected again.

“This is a pointless waste of time.”

From the sound of this statement, it appears that both parties are tired of the lengthy proceedings and wish the case to be put to bed as soon as possible. However, the judges in the case have reserved their final decision until a later date, so all parties will have to wait a little longer.

If you are embroiled in a lengthy divorce or family law case and are losing faith that the matter will ever be decided, it could be time to seek extra help. Liverpool divorce solicitors Tracey Miller Family Law have years of experience in cases of all kinds, from the simple to the complex. Get in touch to see how our team can help to resolve your case quickly and to your satisfaction.