Yes, this settlement was reached in the Californian courts, a byword for legal lunacy. But London, the divorce capital of the world, is not far behind: there have been a succession of cases similar to the Cleeses'. Nicholas Mostyn QC, known as "Mr Payout" for the generous sums he has won for ex-wives, has some succinct advice: "If you want to protect your money from the powers of the court, don't get married.