Caroline de Vechere found in contempt of court for failing to transfer ownership of luxury ski chalet to ex-husband, Eric Hersman.
Caroline de Vechere, the French ex-wife of American financier Eric Hersman, has been sentenced to three months in jail by a High Court judge in London. The ruling comes after de Vechere was found to have breached a court order regarding the ownership of a premium ski chalet in the French Alps. The case sheds light on the complexities of divorce litigation and the enforcement of court orders across international borders.
A Chalet at the Center of a Divorce Dispute
The dispute between de Vechere and Hersman began after their divorce, following over 20 years of marriage. The couple had resided in South Kensington, London, and jointly owned a villa in Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera. However, it was the ownership of Chalet Pearl, a luxury ski chalet in Courchevel, that became the focus of the legal battle.
Contempt of Court and Imprisonment
Mr. Justice Moor, presiding over the case, ruled that de Vechere had shown contempt of court by failing to transfer ownership of the chalet to Hersman as ordered. De Vechere was not present at the hearing, and it was revealed that she is believed to be in France. The judge issued an arrest and imprisonment order, stating that de Vechere could be arrested and imprisoned if she enters England or Wales. However, he also allowed her the opportunity to “purge” her contempt.
The Value of Chalet Pearl and Financial Disputes
Chalet Pearl, located in Courchevel, is estimated to be worth around £15 million. The court heard that de Vechere had misappropriated over £1.5 million in rent from the chalet between October 2021 and February 2023. Hersman’s legal team argued that de Vechere had gone to great lengths to frustrate his attempts to gain ownership of the property. They emphasized the urgency to resolve the matter before the upcoming ski season, as Hersman had lucrative clients lined up to rent the chalet.
The Seriousness of Contempt of Court
Mr. Justice Moor emphasized the gravity of contempt of court, stating that it is a “very serious matter.” He underscored that de Vechere had no right to rent out the chalet and that her repeated failure to comply with the court order warranted an immediate prison sentence. De Vechere will serve half of the three-month sentence before becoming eligible for release on license, and if arrested, she will return to court for further proceedings.
Conclusion:
The case of Caroline de Vechere and Eric Hersman highlights the complexities and challenges of enforcing court orders in international divorce litigation. The ownership of a luxury ski chalet became the focal point of a legal battle that resulted in de Vechere’s imprisonment for contempt of court. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to court orders and the serious consequences that can arise from non-compliance.
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