TRIGGER

My brother is seperating from his wife and is likely to get divorced. They presently rent their home but my brother is looking at buying a flat now to move into on his own. If he buys before he gets divorced will his wife have any hold over the property even though it has never been their marital home ? Could the deposit be considered to be joint money, eventhough it will come from my brothers savings (they were only married a year ago and it was never shared). Any help is appreciated.