High Net Worth Divorce
Senior legal guidance on high-value and cross-border divorce in the UAE, protecting your assets, rights and family throughout proceedings.
Divorce
High-value divorce involving multi-jurisdictional assets, corporate holdings, trust structures or French law requires a level of legal strategy that standard family law practices cannot deliver.
In-depth description
Divorce is never simple. When international elements are involved — different nationalities, assets across multiple countries, children caught in the middle — it becomes one of the most complex legal challenges a person can face. Our team handles the full spectrum of high-value and cross-border divorce matters, from initial strategic advisory through to full representation in proceedings.
International and Cross-Border Divorce For high-stakes divorces with international dimensions, we advise on jurisdictional strategy (forum shopping), the division of multi-country assets, and complex child relocation matters. Our focus is on building a coordinated global strategy that produces the most favourable and enforceable outcome for our client.
Divorce for French Nationals We provide unparalleled expertise for French nationals divorcing in the UAE. Our deep knowledge of the French Civil Code allows us to advise on applying French law in UAE courts, covering asset division under French matrimonial regimes, post-divorce compensation claims, and all procedural requirements.
Mixed-Nationality Divorce (French Non-French) When one spouse is French and the other is not, the conflict of laws between the French, UAE, and the non-French spouse’s legal systems creates layers of complexity. Our primary role is to provide a clear strategic recommendation on jurisdiction and applicable law, then execute the proceedings accordingly.
Domestic Violence We provide urgent, discreet legal intervention for victims of domestic violence, prioritising immediate protective orders. We also ensure a fair process and vigorous defence for those wrongfully accused.
Scope of work
International/Cross-Border Divorce
- Conduct a comprehensive initial strategy session to analyse the case’s international dimensions (assets, children, nationalities).
- Provide a formal legal opinion on the most advantageous jurisdiction (forum) and applicable law for the divorce.
- Coordinate with legal counsel in other relevant jurisdictions to create a cohesive global strategy.
- Manage all legal proceedings in the UAE, including drafting submissions and representing the client in court.
- Advise on the enforcement of foreign court orders in the UAE, and vice versa.
Divorce for French Nationals
- Initial strategy session focused on the application of the French Civil Code.
- Advise on all aspects of the divorce under French law, including asset division under the specific French matrimonial regime and claims for prestation compensatoire.
- Prepare and submit all legal filings to the UAE court, framed according to the principles of French law.
Domestic Violence
- Provide an urgent and confidential consultation to assess the situation and immediate risks.
- For victims: File for an immediate protective order and initiate criminal and/or family court proceedings.
- For the wrongfully accused: Provide immediate legal counsel and build a robust defence.
Price range
AED 20,000 to AED 1,000,000 (hourly rate for international proceedings and judicial strategy)
AED 15,000 to AED 250,000 (fixed fee for UAE court proceedings)
Deliverables
International/Cross-Border Divorce
- A detailed Strategic Litigation Memorandum.
- Representation in all UAE court proceedings.
- Coordination of global legal strategy. Regular, in-depth case status reports.
Divorce (French Nationals)
- A legal strategy tailored to French law. Full representation in UAE courts.
- A final divorce decree intended for recognition in France.
Domestic Violence
- Urgent legal intervention. Filed applications for protective orders.
- A comprehensive defence strategy.
Is your divorce situation more complex than it looks?
Do you and your spouse hold different nationalities?
Are your assets spread across multiple countries?
Are you or your spouse a French national?
Have you experienced domestic violence or threats?
Frequently asked questions
International divorces rarely conclude in under a year, and complex cases with contested assets, custody disputes and cross-border enforcement can take three to five years. Mediation and negotiated settlements can shorten timelines significantly where both parties are willing to engage constructively.
Key contacts:
Romain Astruc
Managing Partner – Generalist, Advisory & Litigation
Géraldine Heimburger
Partner – Family Law, Notarial & Litigation
David Dutruc-Rosset
Associate – Family, Individuals & Litigation
Other services you might need
High-value divorce involves asset protection, succession and tax dimensions that must be managed in parallel with the proceedings.
Asset Protection & Tax Planning for Individuals
Matrimonial Regimes & Applicable Laws Analysis
Custody & Family Disputes - Children & Support
WHAT SET US APART
Why ASTRUC & Co
International divorce is complex and financially significant. We handle strategy, structure and substance together.
1.
Jurisdiction strategy
Where you file matters enormously for the financial outcome. We analyse every available forum, identify the most advantageous option and act decisively.
2.
Senior counsel only
High-value international divorce is not a matter for junior lawyers. Your case is led directly by senior partners with expertise in French and UAE family law and cross-border.
3.
French-UAE fluency
We operate across French law, UAE civil family law and international private law without handoffs. Internationally mobile clients get a single, bilingual legal team.
More than legal counsel
With you, all the way
Life in the UAE brings extraordinary opportunities — and equally complex legal realities. Whether you’re relocating your family, navigating a divorce across jurisdictions, or structuring an inheritance that spans continents, you deserve a legal partner who understands both the technicalities and the human side of what you’re going through. At ASTRUC & Co, we treat every client’s situation as if it were our own.
From our offices in Dubai to our network spanning Riyadh, Paris, and Luxembourg, we bring senior-level attention to every matter — personal or financial. We believe the best legal advice is honest, clear, and delivered by someone who genuinely cares about the outcome. That’s why our clients stay with us, and why they come back when life presents its next chapter.
Ready to move forward?
Talk to our team about your situation. We’ll walk you through your options and help you move forward with clarity.
