The UK or Russia: Where should I divorce? ========================================= Vardags is a leading international divorce law firm representing high net worth (HNW) and ultra-high net worth (UHNW) individuals with ties to both Russia and the United Kingdom. It's well-known that some of London's most high-profile divorce cases have involved Russian couples, with settlements reaching billions of pounds and legal fees to match. In today's world, where nearly half of marriages end in divorce, understanding your legal rights is crucial. When multiple countries have jurisdiction over a divorce, the key question becomes: **which [jurisdiction](https://vardags.com/law-guide/claiming-jurisdiction) offers the most favourable financial settlement?** Divorce in Russia ----------------- In Russia, the procedure for ending a marriage is governed by Russian law, and there are two routes to obtain a divorce: - The administrative route applies when both parties consent to the divorce and have no minor children. - The judicial route is used for contested divorce applications or if the parties have minor children. Similar to England, Russian law recognises only one ground for divorce: the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. What's different is that, in Russia, there are no specialised family courts. All family matters, including the division of financial assets, fall under the jurisdiction of district courts, which handle all civil disputes. In contrast, in England, family disputes are decided by specialised family courts or judges. The courts are able to offer: - Broad discretion to redistribute [assets and income](https://vardags.com/law-guide/how-the-courts-decide-a-financial-settlement/assets-income-liabilities-on-divorce) - Recognition of non-financial contributions (e.g. homemaking, childcare) - A starting point of 50/50 division of [matrimonial assets](https://vardags.com/law-guide/how-the-courts-decide-a-financial-settlement/what-are-matrimonial-and-non-matrimonial-assets) - Ongoing spousal maintenance based on [needs](https://vardags.com/law-guide/how-the-courts-decide-a-financial-settlement/the-needs-principle) and lifestyle This makes England and Wales a preferred jurisdiction for many international divorces, especially for the financially weaker spouse. Can you get divorced in England if you married in Russia? ---------------------------------------------------------- Yes - English courts will recognise a foreign marriage as long as it is valid in the country where it was performed. For a Russian marriage to be recognised in England, it must adhere to the formalities required in Russia. However, whether you can apply for a divorce in England depends on which countries have jurisdiction over your case. Generally, you can only apply for a divorce in England if you or your spouse meet the criteria for habitual residence or domicile. The rules around jurisdiction in England and Wales are complex, so it's crucial to seek specialist legal advice to determine the best possible route for your situation. If both England and Wales and Russia can deal with your case... ---------------------------------------------------------------- Then you have a choice. Choosing the jurisdiction for your divorce can significantly impact the financial outcome. London is often called the 'divorce capital of the world' because it has hosted some of the world's messiest and most expensive divorces. This is due to the overarching principle of fairness in the English courts, where there is no discrimination between the breadwinner and the homemaker of the marriage, and the contributions by each are just as valuable. It is also noteworthy that the Russian courts consider the martial property to be only that which is registered in the parties' personal names, and therefore excludes the companies, trusts and other structures, where most marriage-generated wealth is often engulfed. Unlike the Russian courts, English courts can deal with the corporate structures and to order, amongst other things, their unwinding, sale or transfer of shares. **If you have a connection with a different jurisdiction, whether it is Russia or another country, you should first establish whether you can get divorced in those jurisdictions and, if so, what the financial outcome may be compared to England and Wales. This information should be obtained without delay so that you preserve the option to issue proceedings in a country that is most favourable to you. Contact Vardags for a free initial consultation with one of our expert divorce solicitors.** [BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact "BOOK FREE CONSULTATION") **Какие преимущества развода в Англии и Уэльсе?** Суды стран СНГ и соседних государств строго ограничены рамками закона при разрешении семейных споров. Как правило, совместно нажитое имущество распределяется поровну, а личные активы остаются за пределами пристального внимания суда. Финансово незащищенная сторона спора имеет право на содержание лишь в исключительных обстоятельствах, например, когда она нетрудоспособна, беременна или ухаживает за ребёнком с ограниченными возможностями. В то же время, английский суд присуждает гораздо более щедрые компенсации тому, кто занимался домашним очагом и воспитанием детей. Суд исходит из того, что это не менее важные аспекты семейной жизни, чем обеспечение достатка, и материальные блага при разводе нужно распределять соответственно. Vardags' team of [top divorce lawyers serving clients in Russia](https://vardags.com/team/specialist-divorce-lawyers/russian-desk) delivers a bespoke legal service to [HNW and UHNW](https://vardags.com/law-guide/high-net-worth) individuals, their families, and businesses. About Us -------- Ayesha VardagFounder & President "A DIVORCE LAWYER WIDELY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE WORLD'S BEST" The Metro Vardags offer a unique approach to the law, specially tailored to the needs of HNW individuals. We offer City-quality representation for your divorce and family law needs. Our lawyers come from the very best universities and receive the very best training - they are determined, diligent, and dedicated to getting the best outcome... [read more](https://vardags.com/about-us) [BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact) OUR FOREIGN DESKS ----------------- Our foreign desks are comprised of top multi-lingual lawyers, with a network of international contacts. [Australia Desk](https://vardags.com/international/australia "Australia Desk") [Bahrain Desk](https://vardags.com/international/bahrain "Bahrain Desk") [BVI Desk](https://vardags.com/international/bvi "BVI Desk") [Belgium Desk](https://vardags.com/international/belgium "Belgium Desk") [Bermuda Desk](https://vardags.com/international/bermuda "Bermuda Desk") [Canada Desk](https://vardags.com/international/canada "Canada Desk") [Cayman Islands Desk](https://vardags.com/international/cayman-islands "Cayman Islands Desk") [China Desk](https://vardags.com/international/china "China Desk") [Dubai (UAE) Desk](https://vardags.com/international/dubai "Dubai (UAE) Desk") [France Desk](https://vardags.com/international/france "France Desk") [Germany Desk](https://vardags.com/international/germany "Germany Desk") [Gibraltar Desk](https://vardags.com/international/gibraltar "Gibraltar Desk") [Greece Desk](https://vardags.com/international/greece "Greece Desk") [Guernsey Desk](https://vardags.com/international/guernsey "Guernsey Desk") [Hong Kong Desk](https://vardags.com/international/hong-kong "Hong Kong Desk") [India Desk](https://vardags.com/international/india "India Desk") [Italy Desk](https://vardags.com/international/italy "Italy Desk") [Jersey Desk](https://vardags.com/international/jersey "Jersey Desk") [Kuwait Desk](https://vardags.com/international/kuwait "Kuwait Desk") [Republic of Ireland Desk](https://vardags.com/international/republic-of-ireland "Republic of Ireland Desk") [Liechtenstein Desk](https://vardags.com/international/liechtenstein "Liechtenstein Desk") [Luxembourg Desk](https://vardags.com/international/luxembourg "Luxembourg Desk") [Malaysia Desk](https://vardags.com/international/malaysia "Malaysia Desk") [Malta Desk](https://vardags.com/international/malta "Malta Desk") [Mauritius Desk](https://vardags.com/international/mauritius "Mauritius Desk") [Monaco Desk](https://vardags.com/international/monaco "Monaco Desk") [Netherlands Desk](https://vardags.com/international/netherlands "Netherlands Desk") [New Zealand Desk](https://vardags.com/international/new-zealand "New Zealand Desk") [Oman Desk](https://vardags.com/international/oman "Oman Desk") [Russia Desk](https://vardags.com/international/russia "Russia Desk") [United States of America Desk](https://vardags.com/international/united-states-america "United States of America Desk") [Portugal Desk](https://vardags.com/international/portugal "Portugal Desk") [Poland Desk](https://vardags.com/international/poland "Poland Desk") [Qatar Desk](https://vardags.com/international/qatar "Qatar Desk") [Saudi Arabia Desk](https://vardags.com/international/saudi-arabia "Saudi Arabia Desk") [Scotland Desk](https://vardags.com/international/scotland "Scotland Desk") [Singapore Desk](https://vardags.com/international/singapore "Singapore Desk") [South Africa Desk](https://vardags.com/international/south-africa "South Africa Desk") [Spain Desk](https://vardags.com/international/spain "Spain Desk") [Switzerland Desk](https://vardags.com/international/switzerland "Switzerland Desk") Related Guides -------------- [The UK or Belgium: Where should I divorce?](https://vardags.com/law-guide/divorce-locations/where-should-i-divorce-uk-or-belgium "The UK or Belgium: Where should I divorce?") [The UK or France: Where should I divorce?](https://vardags.com/law-guide/divorce-locations/where-should-i-divorce-uk-or-france "The UK or France: Where should I divorce?") [The UK or Luxembourg: Where should I divorce?](https://vardags.com/law-guide/divorce-locations/where-should-i-divorce-uk-or-luxembourg "The UK or Luxembourg: Where should I divorce?") [The UK or Monaco: Where should I divorce?](https://vardags.com/law-guide/divorce-locations/where-should-i-divorce-uk-or-monaco "The UK or Monaco: Where should I divorce?") [The UK or Switzerland: Where should I divorce?](https://vardags.com/law-guide/divorce-locations/where-should-i-divorce-uk-or-switzerland "The UK or Switzerland: Where should I divorce?") [The UK or the US: Where should I divorce?](https://vardags.com/law-guide/divorce-locations/where-should-i-divorce-uk-or-us "The UK or the US: Where should I divorce?") The information on this website is intended as a guide and does not constitute legal advice. Vardags do not accept liability for any errors in the information on this website, nor any losses stemming from reliance upon the statements made herein. All articles and pages aim to reflect the legal position at time they were published, and may have been rendered obsolete by subsequent developments in the law. Should you require specialist advice, tailored to your situation, please see how Vardags can help you. What our clients say -------------------- What sets Tatiana apart is her genuine compassion and dedication to her clients. She treated me with the utmost respect and kindness, making me feel valued and supported throughout the entire process. She is a true advocate and... an exceptional professional who will go above and beyond to fight for your rights and your family's well-being. Alexandra Gutina They have definitely lived up to their name of being a top divorce and family law firm. S. Gasparini The Vardags Teams are incredible! Mariette Terrisse Hilborne Vardags provided excellent support to my case, which had a complicated international, cross-jurisdiction component. Within the team, Maria Fiorito was also excellent and very supportive, and was able to effectively liaise with... the Italian team of lawyers. I would recommend both Vardags and Maria Fiorito for your case. BR Brunello Rosa When choosing a Solicitor it was a very nervous and challenging time in my life however with Amie I hit the JACKPOT!! her work ethic and her keen eye for detail is second to none, the hours she must put in is unbelievable and her... knowledge about the law and how she really gets to know you and your case and what is needed is amazing. Matt Ballard I always felt I was in the best hands, I highly recommend them! Alessandra Arrigoni OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM ------------------- [### Ayesha Vardag](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/ayesha-vardag "Ayesha Vardag Founder & President Divorce & Family") [### Stephen Bence](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/stephen-bence "Stephen Bence Vardags CEO") [### David Lister](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/david-lister "David Lister") [Founder & President](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/ayesha-vardag "Ayesha Vardag Founder & President Divorce & Family") [Chief Executive Officer](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/stephen-bence "Stephen Bence Vardags CEO") [Senior Partner and Head of London Family - Divorce & Family](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/david-lister "David Lister") [### Ayesha Vardag Founder & President ](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/ayesha-vardag "Ayesha Vardag Founder & President Divorce & Family")"Ayesha Vardag - Britain's top divorce lawyer." The Telegraph [### Stephen Bence Chief Executive Officer](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/stephen-bence "Stephen Bence Vardags CEO")"Dr Stephen Bence is a financial genius." Lewis Marks KC [### David Lister Senior Partner and Head of London Family - Divorce & Family ](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/david-lister "David Lister")"Brilliant with a real spark which clients love" Legal 500 [Meet the rest of the team](https://vardags.com/team) [Vardags climbs ranks of UK's biggest firms in The Lawyer's UK 200](https://vardags.com/posts/vardags-london-climbs-ranks-of-uks-biggest-firms-in-the-lawyers-uk-200)