What is the ratio in Pettitt v Pettitt?

Matrimonial property rights are governed by ordinary property law principles through resulting and constructive trusts, not by a special 'family asset' doctrine.

What did the court decide in Pettitt v Pettitt?

The House of Lords rejected the family asset approach and held that improvements alone don't create beneficial interests without evidence of common intention.

Why is Pettitt v Pettitt important for family property law?

It established that English law applies ordinary property principles to matrimonial property rather than special family law rules.

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