Manches sues celebrity chef's wife for unpaid fees

The firm has filed a High Court claim for breach of contract against Matilde White, known as Mati, alleging that she owes £208.568.05 in unpaid fees plus costs, interest valuing £15,227.14 and a further £100 as compensation.

Manches family partner James Stewart acted for Mati White on the divorce proceedings, which started in 2007 but came to an end last year when Marco Pierre White claimed the couple were back together. But Mati later claimed the apparent ceasefire was a swindle.

The claim against Mati White has been issued by Manches commercial litigation partner Richard Marshall.

The claim form lists 11 unpaid invoices ranging £810 to £26,645.48 - and totalling £208,568.05 - dating from 5 October 2010 to 2 March 2011, as well as interest and compensation.

It says Mati White had instructed Manches to provide legal services “in respect of matrimonial proceedings” in an agreement dated 8 June 2010 and that she had agreed to pay her fees “within 14 days of the date stated on the bill”.

It also claims that Manches reserves “the right to charge interest on overdue amounts with effect from one month after delivery of the invoice”.

Mati White could not be contacted for comment. Manches said it was unable to comment on ongoing litigation.