Marcelle Doweck v Albert Doweck

Facts

Marcelle Doweck and Albert Doweck are parties to contested financial remedy proceedings instigated by Mrs Doweck. Mr Doweck, who is 88, was originally represented by Vardags, and the questionnaire he is said not to have answered was available to him in November 2025. At an FDA before District Judge Hammond on 26 November 2025, counsel then instructed for Mr Doweck raised concerns that he might lack litigation capacity; a capacity assessment was directed and the FDA adjourned. A report subsequently indicated that Mr Doweck had capacity to litigate, and he dispensed with Vardags. On 23 March 2026 DJ Stonier, sitting with Mr Doweck unrepresented, ordered him to reply to the questionnaire by 20 April 2026, recording that non-compliance would be a contempt but attaching no penal notice. Following an application by Mrs Doweck dated 22 May 2026, District Judge Hammond made an order on the papers on 15 June 2026 repeating the requirement, with a penal notice attached to paragraph 8; it was personally served on 17 June 2026, so compliance fell due on 24 June 2026. Unsigned replies arrived on 3 July 2026 and were said to be woefully deficient. Mrs Doweck applied to commit Mr Doweck to prison for breach. He represented himself at the committal hearing.