Vardags is a leading family and divorce law firm for high-net-worth clients with links to both Scotland and England or Wales – including Scotland nationals living in the UK, and British nationals living in Scotland. Clients in this position may have the freedom to choose where to file for divorce.
Since the legal systems in Scotland and England operate differently, the financial outcome of a divorce will likely vary significantly depending on where it is heard – and on whether you are the economically stronger or weaker party. Vardags can advise you on which jurisdiction is likely to produce the better outcome based on a detailed evaluation of your specific circumstances. For more information about the differences between jurisdictions, read our guide to divorce in England and Scotland.
If you have already received a divorce petition in either country, it may still be possible to challenge jurisdiction and pursue proceedings in the more favourable forum. Even if you have already finalised your divorce in Scotland, this does not necessarily draw a line under your financial claims. In certain circumstances, English courts can enhance or supplement an earlier award.
Complex international divorce matters can be highly time-sensitive – it is important to contact Vardags before your spouse does.
Recognised by Spears 500 as “world-renowned” in "making the law work for the global elite," and hailed by the Legal 500 as "the Rolls Royce and the Ferrari of the family law world", Vardags has spent over two decades supporting wealthy individuals, entrepreneurs, and high-profile clients navigating the highest-stakes family law matters. Founded by Ayesha Vardag – celebrated by the BBC as the "diva of divorce for the world’s super rich” - we have always brought a global outlook to the most complex international divorce cases.
Vardags brings together a team of leading lawyers, a multilingual client relations team, and – critically for complex international cases – an in-house financial forensics team able to trace and value assets across jurisdictions. For clients whose wealth spans England and Scotland, this combination is rarely found under one roof.
Don’t just take our word for it – as mentioned in the prestigious Legal 500 index, “without doubt, they are formidable. They are in all the biggest and most difficult cases for one reason - they win”.
We offer a free consultation to suitable clients – wealthy individuals, successful entrepreneurs, high-profile individuals and professionals with complex family law matters. Timing matters in high-stakes family law. If you think you might need our help, don’t delay.
London, as the ‘divorce capital of the world’, is known for making generous awards to the financially weaker parties, and the court has wide discretionary powers. In these circumstances, it is imperative to act fast and instruct a lawyer as soon as possible. At Vardags, we will help ensure that your case proceeds in the most advantageous jurisdiction and secure the best possible financial outcome for you.
If you are considering or going through a divorce, contact us before your spouse does.
We offer a free consultation to suitable clients, typically those where the family's net assets are in excess of £1m or the combined income is in excess of £150,000
This article will address the extent to which a parent can move their child away from the other parent without their consent. A distinction will be made between moving the child to another part of the UK, as well as moving abroad.
It should be noted from the outset that whether the parties have ever been married or in a civil partnership is immaterial for the purposes of relocation of the child. The important factor is whether the parent seeking to prevent the relocation has parental responsibility.
The best way to ensure your assets are protected is to conduct a thorough and accurate valuation.
In many countries, a couple can divorce with little or no financial support being given to the poorer party. Sometimes, you might not even know about the divorce until it has already been finalised. That does not prevent you from seeking the support of the English courts. Under Part III of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act, the English court can make a financial award for where there was “no, or no adequate” provision in overseas proceedings.
If your partner is breaking an existing order, there are numerous ways of enforcing it. The court can divert a portion of their salary directly to you (garnishee order), give you a charge over property or shares or even transfer bank accounts over to you. If your partner willfully and deliberately refuses to satisfy an order, this can amount to contempt – the court can fine and even jail them for this.
Vardags Limited is a limited company trading as Vardags, Company No 7199468, registered in England and Wales, having its registered office at 10 Old Bailey, London EC4M 7NG. Vardags is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA Number 535955). Its VAT number is 99 001 7230.
Vardags uses the term ‘Partner’ as a professional title only, to describe a Senior Solicitor, Employee or Consultant with relevant experience, expertise and qualifications (whether legally qualified or otherwise) to merit the title. Our Partners are not partners in the legal sense. They are not liable for the debts, liabilities or obligations of Vardags Limited. Similarly, the term ’Director’ is a professional title only, to describe an employee or consultant of Vardags with relevant experience, expertise and qualifications to merit the title. It does not necessarily imply that the relevant individual is a director of Vardags Limited.
A list of the directors of Vardags Limited and a list of the names of those using the title of ’Director’ and ’Partner’ together with their official status is available for inspection at Vardags’ registered office.
