Stewarts Law LLP

Divorce and Family

Partner in the Divorce and Family department.

Sam is a leading lawyer in international, complex and high-value divorce and family law cases. He is recognised across the private wealth industries as a leader in his field.

Sam is instructed by individuals, families, and trustees across the world to address issues arising from divorce, and to assist in the preparation of pre- and post-nuptial agreements. He also has extensive expertise in complex parental disputes, with a particular emphasis on international relocation.

His clients range from the sports and entertainment industries to the City and international community, with a particular emphasis on the US, South America, Russia and the Middle East.

Sam is known for his complete discretion, commercial advice and ability to achieve swift, best-outcome solutions for his clients. He also has extensive experience in ‘private court’ based arbitration for family disputes.

Experience

• Lead partner for the husband in Standish v Standish [2024] EWCA Civ 567, successfully representing the husband in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in a landmark case concerning the correct treatment of pre-marital wealth and the concepts of matrimonial property and ‘matrimonialisation’, leading to the largest ever reduction to a divorce award (45%) in this jurisdiction, and confirmation that there is no right to ‘share’ assets which are unconnected to a marriage. Click here for full details and resources.
• ARQ v YAQ [2022] EWFC 128, representing the husband in a matter concerning the treatment of significant pre-marital wealth and the legal definition of matrimonial property
• Baker v Baker [2022] EWFC 15, securing provision for interim maintenance in financial remedy case involving an international family
• WG v HG [2018] EWFC, dealing with financial provision from non-matrimonial assets)
• Kelly v Pyres [2018] EWCA Civ 1368, Court of Appeal decision on divorce jurisdiction and forum shopping
• In the matter of C (Children) [2018] UKSC 8, Supreme Court decision regarding the international relocation of children following separation

After training in London, Sam spent time at a leading regional practice before joining Stewarts in 2007, where he became partner in 2013.

Sam is a fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers and Vice Chair of The International Family Law Committee of The American Bar Association Section of International Law. He is an active member of the IBA and Resolution.

When not working on behalf of clients, Sam enjoys spending time with his large family.