High Net Worth Divorce Solicitors
We recognise that relationship breakdown and a decision to divorce is likely to be one of the most stressful life events that an individual will face. Dealing with practical and financial arrangements in the midst of emotional trauma may often seem insurmountable but our team of experienced lawyers can guide you through the legal process in a sympathetic, supportive and, above all, objective manner to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
“A top notch firm that does A list work for the most influential, successful and high profile clients.”
Our best-in-class divorce lawyers act for and against a wide variety of individuals including celebrities, members of royal families, aristocrats, entrepreneurs, sports and entertainment stars, business owners and city professionals. Our divorce lawyers are regularly involved in high profile cases at all levels and are well known for their discretion and skill in managing unwanted media attention. Our in-house reputation management team enables us to deal with media attention swiftly and effectively.
We are sensitive to the highly personal issues involved and are able to recommend suitably qualified professional counsellors and mediators, where appropriate. We frequently deal with international aspects of divorce and separation and work with trusted lawyers and other advisers in many different jurisdictions.
With a top ranked Payne Hicks Beach divorce specialist on your side, you can be confident in having one of the best solicitors in the UK looking after your interests.
Chambers UK, Chambers HNW and The Legal 500 UK law directory guides, recognise that Payne Hicks Beach frequently advises in some of the most high-value and high-profile matrimonial finance cases in the market, including cases involving complex international aspects.
Chambers HNW 2023 ranks the PHB Family Team as a leading firm in Family/Matrimonial: ultra high net worth. The directory writes that “Payne Hicks Beach has a highly esteemed family law department which regularly handles high-value and sophisticated matters.” “They are uniformly first rate, from the technical ability of more junior team members with day to day responsibility on a case, to the deep experience and strategic thinking offered by the partners and more senior associates” and “PHB are absolutely excellent. They are all extremely competent, and can handle really big cases without being fazed by anything.” With rankings over many years in Chambers HNW, testimonials include “They’re as good as you’ll find; they’re a class act,” says a source, explaining: “They have a lot of depth to their practice. They all have great experience and are very good to deal with.” Another comments: “They are a fantastic group of lawyers. They provide excellent advice to clients, and they have strong expertise in a range of areas. They really invest in their clients; it’s a real pleasure dealing with them.”
The Legal 500 UK 2023 describes Payne Hicks Beach LLP as a “top notch firm that does A list work for the most influential, successful and high profile clients.” The law directory expands to say that “the department is ‘outstanding’ and garners praise for its specialist advice on the full spectrum of complex family law issues often with an international dimension for high-profile individuals, entrepreneurs, UHNWs and others including members of international Royalty” and recognises that the team “is frequently instructed in cases that go to the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.” “Overall it is a ‘class act with a team of great lawyers who know exactly how to run the big, difficult litigation but never lose sight of what the client wants’.” One source reports: “The PHB Family Team has exceptional experience of the most complex international family law disputes. Very few other firms have this level of experience. Hand-in-hand with this the firm delivers a very personal service, giving clients the assurance that both their case and their welfare are being cared for with utmost attention.”
To learn more about divorce and separation visit our dedicated webpage and download our guide.
Yes. It is open to either party to file an application for divorce. Since 6 April 2022 it is also possible for a couple who are in agreement to file the application on a joint basis.
In England the sole ground for divorce is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. Prior to the advent of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 which came into force on 6 April 2022 it was necessary to rely on one of five facts to evidence that the marriage had broken down (adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, 2 years separation with consent or 5 years separation.) Since 6 April 2022 the single basis on which a divorce may be granted is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. A statement to that effect will suffice and there is no longer any requirement to provide evidence.
Very rarely. It will usually make no difference if you are the applicant or your spouse applies or you make a joint application. However, if there is more than one jurisdiction where the divorce might take place then it may be a consideration.
It is no longer possible to defend a divorce application. The only grounds upon which a divorce or dissolution may be disputed are if a challenge is made to the validity or subsistence of the marriage/ civil partnership or if a challenge is made to the jurisdiction of the court to hear the application.
Once an application for divorce has been made, there will then be a minimum twenty-week “cooling off” period before the applicant(s) can apply to the court for a conditional order of divorce. This period is designed to give the parties a period of reflection and to endeavour to resolve issues around children and money. It is anticipated that the minimum period to obtain a divorce will be 26 weeks.
No. There is usually no need for either party to attend court.
Until a Final Order of divorce is granted by the court the marriage subsists. Up until that point it is possible to invite the court to dismiss the divorce application.
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Ben Parry-Smith
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Baroness Fiona Shackleton of Belgravia LVO
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“They are a fantastic group of lawyers. They provide excellent advice to clients, and they have strong expertise in a range of areas. They really invest in their clients; it’s a real pleasure dealing with them.”
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