When a relationship breaks down, those with internationally connected wealth face a unique set of challenges. Assets may sit across several jurisdictions, held through companies, trusts, investment structures, or family wealth vehicles. Ensuring those assets are understood, correctly categorised, and strategically protected is essential.
England and Wales is known for its broad discretion in financial remedy cases. The courts will examine what was built during the marriage, what existed beforehand, and what each party will reasonably need in the future. They can also look through corporate structures, family trusts, and offshore entities where appropriate.
In this environment — where outcomes turn on evidence, expertise, and strategy — early specialist advice is critical.
At Paradigm Family Law LLP, we support clients with complex, multi-jurisdictional wealth and help them navigate the English courts with clarity and confidence. Our fixed-fee structure ensures certainty, while our international expertise ensures that the approach is both strategic and fully aligned with your long-term financial protections.
Standish v Standish: a warning for anyone with complex wealth
The Court of Appeal’s decision in Standish (Appellant) v Standish (Respondent) – UK Supreme Court is particularly relevant to clients with significant international or structured wealth.
Key lessons for complex and global assets:
1. Origins and evidence matter more than ever
The court will consider whether assets were acquired pre-marriage, built during the marriage, inherited, or accumulated through family wealth.
But Standish makes clear: your argument is only as strong as the evidence behind it.
Those with layered, historic or international assets must ensure the narrative and documentation are impeccably prepared.
2. Needs can override structures
Even where property is non-matrimonial or tied up in corporate or trust structures, the court may access it if needs cannot be met otherwise.
This means that liquidity analysis, valuations, and jurisdictional arguments are essential in shaping the case.
3. Transparency and credibility are now central to judicial decision-making
The Court of Appeal was explicit that unrealistic positions or opaque disclosure undermine a case.
For internationally connected clients, proper disclosure — and the right strategic presentation — is not optional.
It is decisive.
How Paradigm protects complex, international wealth
1. International asset mapping and structure analysis
We examine the global picture:
-
Onshore and offshore companies
-
Trusts and family wealth vehicles
-
Property portfolios
-
Private equity, carried interest and LTIP schemes
-
Cross-border tax and domicile considerations
-
Multi-jurisdictional estates and inheritances
From this, we create a defensible, coherent narrative around what is matrimonial and what is not.
2. Corporate, trust, and forensic analysis
Our cases often involve:
-
Tracing assets across multiple jurisdictions
-
Scrutinising company books, shareholder arrangements and loan accounts
-
Examining trust deeds, letters of wishes and underlying assets
-
Unpicking complex valuation issues
-
Determining liquidity without exposing the client to unnecessary commercial risk
We present the evidence in a way that is precise, credible and aligned with the court’s expectations.
3. Strategic containment and early protections
In cases where there is a risk of:
-
Dissipation of assets
-
Hidden or transferred funds
-
Aggressive spending
-
Interference with business operations
-
Offshore movement of wealth
We act urgently, using targeted applications including freezing injunctions, disclosure orders and anti-dissipation measures.
4. Multi-jurisdictional expertise
As a dual-qualified Solicitor in England & Wales and a German Rechtsanwalt judge, Frank Arndt has acted in some of the most intricate international financial remedy cases, involving assets across Europe, the Middle East, the US, Asia and offshore centres.
We regularly collaborate with corporate lawyers, tax specialists, accountants, trustees, and international counsel to build a strategy that reflects the realities of global wealth.
5. Fixed-fee clarity for complex cases
Our fixed-fee model provides certainty from the start.
Clients know the cost of each stage, allowing them to plan ahead without the unpredictability of hourly billing.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Will the court examine my company or trust?”
It depends on control, benefit and intention. We identify vulnerabilities and prepare the right strategy from the outset.
“How do I protect assets held abroad?”
Jurisdiction, timing and the structure of the asset are key. We analyse the risk profile and act early if protections are needed.
“What if the other side exaggerates what I own?”
We neutralise inflated claims with clear, evidence-based financial analysis.
“Can international wealth be ring-fenced?”
Yes, in many cases — especially where origin, documentation, and conduct support the distinction.
Speak to Paradigm Family Law LLP
If your wealth spans countries, companies or complex structures, the decisions made in the early stages of divorce are critical. We ensure that your case is handled with discretion, strategy and a deep understanding of global financial structures.
Related reading : He signed away millions to save his marriage