Property boss claims 'discrimination' over £1.6m divorce

Alan Moher, 54, from Manchester, was told to pay Caroline Moher monthly maintenance payments

Lawyers for a Jewish property millionaire are arguing that he was “discriminated against” by a Family Court judgement ordering him to pay her £1.6 million and £1,850 per month.

Alan Moher, 54, from Manchester, was told to pay Caroline Moher monthly maintenance payments until he grants her a Jewish religious divorce, or ‘get’.

The couple, who have three children, split up in 2016 and argued their positions before Judge Bernard Wallwork in the Family Court in Manchester last year.

Judge Wallwork heard claims that Moher had hidden his wealth from the court and made the financial orders in November, in an effort to force Moher to grant the Get.

Now Moher, who owns several properties, is fighting that ruling at appeal, calling the £1.6 million lump sum ruling and the monthly payments “unfair” and arguing that he is being discriminated against on the basis of his religion.

He also argues that the very nature of him having to pay maintenance payments means he cannot grant the get because it must be granted of his own free will, after financial ties between the two parties come to an end.

“It is wrong for the wife to receive a financial benefit and the husband a financial penalty by virtue of their religious beliefs,” he said.

“The wife would be recovering twice…It is wrong to impose a financial sanction on the husband in an effort to compel him to grant the wife a Get.”