Catherine Chikavhanga v Evans Kuyeri and Kuyeri Family Trust

Key Issues

• {"issue_text":"Whether the customary law union between the plaintiff and first defendant ended in 2003 or 2010","issue_type":"fact","dispositive":"yes","related_facts":"Evidence of continued cohabitation, financial support, conjugal relations, birth of third child in 2007, final separation in 2010"}
• {"issue_text":"Whether the Houghton Park house was acquired during the subsistence of the union","issue_type":"fact","dispositive":"yes","related_facts":"House purchased in October 2003 after reconciliation, proceeds from jointly owned Tynwald stand used"}
• {"issue_text":"How the Houghton Park house should be shared between the parties","issue_type":"mixed","dispositive":"yes","related_facts":"Direct contributions of $18m by plaintiff and $22m by defendant, indirect contributions through household duties and child care"}
• {"issue_text":"Whether the second defendant (Kuyeri Family Trust) owns the Houghton Park house","issue_type":"law","dispositive":"no","related_facts":"Trust created after litigation commenced, no transfer of property to Trust, Trust created to shield property"}

Background