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A professional couple whose relationship got so bad they debated the ownership of empty paint pots are heading for an expensive court fight.
Robin Williams and her ex-partner Anthony Hull have also written to each other over a cheese grater, a £5 lamp shade and net curtains following their bitter split.
At stake in their legal battle is who owns their former home in Kingsfold, Horsham, West Sussex.
Ms Williams, a solicitor, says Mr Hull began with a seven per cent interest in the property, and accepts that it increased as the mortgage was paid off.
Mr Hull, a financial consultant, claims the couple hold the house - which could be worth as much as £500,000 - in equal shares.
At the High Court today, a judge found in Mr Hull's favour on a preliminary matter, ruling that a "without prejudice" letter he wrote to Ms Williams in October 2007 could not be adduced in evidence at the full hearing.
Mr Justice Arnold said the couple met through work, and bought The Marches in May 2000 for £285,000. Ms Williams put up £200,000 and Mr Hull £15,000. In October 2007 Mr Hull moved out.
In a series of letters between the couple they tried to divide up their assets, but ended up disagreeing over whether the paint pots, curtains, and lamp shades were "joint property".
Ms Williams also said she bought a £499 telescope as a present for Mr Hull. He responded by saying he had never asked for one.
Two years ago, Ms Williams offered in a letter to settle the couple's dispute for £38,340 on the basis that Mr Hull owned 12 per cent of The Marches.
No date was set for a full hearing.
