Ruling In Potanina v Potanin Case Reinforces The Role Of English Courts In International Divorce Proceedings

The Court of Appeal has today ruled in favour of Natalia Potanina in the closely watched Potanina v Potanin case, a decision that legal experts at Irwin Mitchell say could reaffirm London’s reputation as the ‘divorce capital of the world.’

The case centred on Mrs Potanina’s claim for financial relief in England and Wales following her divorce from Vladimir Potanin—one of Russia’s wealthiest businessmen, with an estimated fortune of £20 billion. The couple divorced in Russia in 2014, where Mrs Potanina received a small proportion of the marital assets.

Today’s ruling confirms that Mrs Potanina has sufficient connection to England to pursue a Part III claim under the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984. [Despite only coming to live in this country after the Russian divorce had taken place, the court found that in the circumstances it was appropriate for the English court to consider her application. Her claim is complex but it is more than highly speculative and not without substance.

Expert Opinion

“This is a landmark decision that reinforces the role of the English courts in international divorce proceedings. It highlights that the jurisdiction remains open for business when it comes to complex, cross-border financial disputes and while the specifics of Mrs Potanina’s case are unique, the ruling signals a broader willingness to engage with claims where foreign outcomes may raise questions of fairness.”
Hayley Trim, Family Partner at Irwin Mitchell  

Legal experts believe the ruling could pave the way for one of the most valuable financial remedy claims ever heard in England and Wales, with significant implications for cross-border divorce law and jurisdictional reach.