Katie Price may encounter a complex divorce process if she decides to end her marriage with Lee Andrews, according to legal experts. There are doubts about the validity of their marriage in the UK. The 48-year-old former glamour model tied the knot with Lee, a 43-year-old self-proclaimed businessman, in a rapid Dubai ceremony earlier this year, just a few days after meeting in person for the first time. Since then, their union has been tumultuous.
Following Lee’s disappearance during an attempt to cross the Dubai border on his way to the UK, Katie reported him missing, expressing concerns that he might have been abducted and suggesting he was taken to a clandestine location. Subsequently, Lee’s father clarified that his son had been arrested, not kidnapped. Despite initial denials from Katie, she later confirmed that Lee was detained in Dubai Central Jail, also known as Al Awir. She reassured the public that Lee was safe, dispelling concerns that he was involved in espionage.
Recent reports indicate that Lee was detained for a private legal issue, facing a nominal fine and anticipated release. Katie has informed Lee that he is now perceived as the most unpopular person in Britain. While Katie has not openly discussed divorce, her close associates suggest it may be a possibility. As the strain on their marriage intensifies, two prominent family law practitioners have shared insights with The Mirror on the potential divorce proceedings.
Susie Barter, a family law partner at Burgess Mee, mentioned that Katie could initiate divorce proceedings in either the UAE or the UK, but neither route would be straightforward. In the UAE, a no-fault divorce could be pursued through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Portal if the marriage was legally conducted there, leading to a potential divorce within 30 days with the submission of necessary documentation.
However, a swift divorce in the UAE might not result in favorable terms for Katie, as shorter marriages could impact alimony payments and asset considerations outside the UAE may not be factored in. Therefore, expatriates are advised to contemplate other jurisdictions for divorce proceedings. Alternatively, Katie, residing in England, could opt for a divorce in her home country after the mandatory 12-month post-marriage waiting period until January 2027 has lapsed.
Legal experts also emphasized that the divorce process hinges on the validity of the marriage. Lee’s past claims have been subject to scrutiny, notably regarding his alleged academic credentials from Cambridge University, which turned out to be false. Considering the potential complexities, Sophie Hughes, a Family Law Partner at Knights, highlighted the importance of verifying the marriage’s recognition in England and Wales, ensuring that the marriage adhered to legal requirements in the country where it occurred.