Wishing you a magical festive season and a happy new year!
It’s been another outstanding year for Expatriate Law, and we’re excited to share our highlights with you in this annual review.
As we approach the end of 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an extraordinary year for Expatriate Law. This year, our team has continued to grow, innovate, and achieve, driven by a shared passion for supporting our clients through life’s most challenging moments.
As 2024 draws to a close, I want to reflect on a remarkable year for Expatriate Law. This year has been filled with growth, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to supporting our clients as they navigate complex family law matters.
One of the highlights of the year was our International Family Law Conference in Portugal, which brought together leading experts to exchange knowledge and ideas. It was a privilege to foster these discussions, and we’re already looking forward to hosting next year’s conference in Chamonix.
Our team has gone from strength to strength. This year also saw the expansion of our team, welcoming brilliant new talent and celebrating the accomplishments of our colleagues. From Eliza Hebditch’s promotion to Partner to the addition of Adam Mitchell, who brings decades of experience in family law, we are better equipped than ever to serve our international clientele.
Our work continues to shape the landscape of family law, whether through groundbreaking cases, authoring leading legal guides, or speaking at global forums. As always, our focus remains on providing empathetic, practical, and forward-thinking solutions for our clients.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to connect with many of you at our upcoming International Family Law Conference in Chamonix. This event will be another opportunity to foster dialogue, share expertise, and strengthen the global family law community.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. We are privileged to work with such remarkable colleagues, and we look forward to achieving even greater things together in the year to come.
Wishing you and your families a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
Warm regards,
Alexandra Tribe
Managing Partner, Expatriate Law
Team updates
Eliza Hebditch
Partner
Since joining us in March 2023, Eliza Hebditch quickly made her mark and became a Partner in March 2024.
Eliza is a standout leader in the private wealth sector, known for advising some of London’s most prominent individuals and families. Her impressive client portfolio includes aristocracy, royalty, international sports stars, and billionaire entrepreneurs.
Eliza specialises in navigating high-stakes financial remedy disputes, multi-jurisdictional prenuptial agreements, contentious children matters—particularly international relocations—and complex cross-border divorces, especially those involving Swiss or US elements.
We’re thrilled that Eliza has curated an exceptional programme for our upcoming International Family Law Conference in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.
Adam Mitchell
Dual-Qualified Lawyer
Adam Mitchell, a dual-qualified lawyer in South Africa and England, joined Expatriate Law in December 2024. He focuses on advising clients with connections across South Africa, the wider African region, and England.
Adam’s extensive career spans over 24 years, covering all aspects of divorce and family law. His notable cases have set precedents in South African law. Adam is known for his skill in negotiating and mediating settlements in highly contentious disputes.
Adam has been an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa since 2004 and joined the Roll of Solicitors of the Senior Courts of England and Wales in 2022. In January 2023, Adam also served as an acting judge of the High Court of South Africa—an impressive testament to his expertise and standing.
Ambar Bharwani
Qualified Solicitor
A big congratulations to Ambar Bharwani in our Singapore team, who has qualified as a solicitor this month after completing her training contract with Expatriate Law!
Since joining the firm in 2022, Ambar has built a strong foundation in family law, particularly in cross-border cases. She has worked closely with Sonny Patel, Partner and Head of our Singapore branch, and also spent time in the London office, collaborating with senior team members. Her expertise includes complex financial remedy proceedings, jurisdiction disputes, and international child relocation cases, all managed with exceptional attention to detail.
Ambar’s commitment to professional growth is evident through her pro bono work, international internships, and time spent studying and volunteering abroad. Her diverse background, including experience in Bahrain, enhances her ability to navigate complex international family law matters.
We’re delighted to see Ambar reach this milestone and look forward to her continued contributions to the team.
Sophie Capo-Bianco
Senior Associate
We are thrilled to welcome back Sophie Capo-Bianco from her maternity leave! Sophie’s return marks an exciting moment for the team, and we’re so glad to have her back. Her expertise, passion, and dedication have always been a valued part of our success, and we look forward to the continued contributions she’ll make in the months ahead. Please join us in giving Sophie a warm welcome back!
Abigail Clements-Bewley
Paralegal
We’re pleased to welcome Abigail Clements-Bewley to our London office as a Paralegal. Abigail brings extensive experience from a Tier 1-ranked family team in Manchester, where she supported senior in-house counsel on high-net-worth and international family law matters. Her expertise includes complex financial proceedings, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, and international children’s cases. Abigail’s detail-oriented and empathetic approach make her a valuable addition to our team. We look forward to working with her until she begins her Pupillage in 2025.
Sherry Georgaki
Paralegal
We are excited to welcome Sherry Georgaki to Expatriate Law as a Paralegal. Sherry supports Alexandra Tribe, Oscar Smith, and Sophie Capo-Bianco on a wide range of family law matters. With an LLB from Middlesex University and ongoing studies to qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive, Sherry brings valuable experience from a Legal 500 firm. Her expertise includes high-net-worth financial remedy matters, children’s disputes, and nuptial agreements. Raised in the US and Greece, Sherry understands the expat lifestyle and is fluent in Greek. We look forward to working with her as she continues her journey in international family law.
Melissa Parker
Legal Assistant
We are delighted to welcome Melissa Parker to our London office as a Legal Assistant. Since joining the firm in June 2024, Melissa has been instrumental in coordinating initial enquiries and assisting with a wide range of family law matters, including cross-jurisdictional financial and children’s cases. With a Graduate Diploma in Law and a distinction in Land Law, Melissa brings both academic excellence and practical experience to the team, having previously volunteered as a community legal companion with the CLOCK project in Oxford. Having lived in Abu Dhabi and Switzerland, Melissa understands the expat lifestyle, and we are excited to have her on board.
International Family Law Conference 2025
21-22 March 2025, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
We are thrilled to invite you to the 2025 International Family Law Conference, taking place at the Majestic Congress Centre in the heart of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France. This conference gathers leading private client and family law professionals from around the globe to exchange insights, discuss trends, and deepen their expertise on the most pressing issues in international family law.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the French Alps, this conference offers a unique balance of rigorous educational programming and unrivalled networking opportunities. Delegates will participate in a series of expert-led presentations and panel discussions covering a wide range of topics, from high-net-worth international divorces to the future of cross-border family disputes.
In addition to world-class sessions, attendees can look forward to elegant social events, including a gala dinner and drinks receptions supported by our headline sponsors, 1KBW and 1 Hare Court. The social programme allows participants to connect, exchange ideas, and unwind after each day’s events. Chamonix’s famed skiing and après-ski add yet another layer to this unique experience, providing an unforgettable setting for professional growth and new friendships.
Join us at the Majestic Congress Centre in Chamonix for an extraordinary event that combines high-level family law insights with the magic of the French Alps. Secure your spot today!
Date: Thursday 21 – Friday 22 March 2025
Venue: Congress Centre Le Majestic, 241 All. du Majestic, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France Directions
Awards and recognitions
Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards 2024
We ended last year on a high note with two significant wins at the Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards:
- International Family Lawyer of the Year
- Family Law Case of the Year
We were also honoured to be finalists in the Associate of the Year category.
Special congratulations to Byron James, who was nominated for International Family Lawyer of the Year for a second time, having won the award in 2022. Kudos to all the winners and nominees!
A further highlight was Eliza Hebditch’s role as a judge for these prestigious awards—her second consecutive year contributing to this incredible event.
Legal 500
We are thrilled to be recognised as a ‘Firm to Watch‘ in the 2024 Legal 500 rankings—a testament to our growing influence and reputation.
Chambers & Partners
Expatriate Law continues to shine, maintaining our Band 1 ranking in the UAE Family/Matrimonial High Net Worth Guide.
- Byron James and Alexandra Tribe are individually ranked in this prestigious guide.
- Sonny Patel continues his ranking in the Singapore HNW Family Matrimonial Guide.
Spear’s 500
We are proud to announce that Alexandra Tribe, Sonny Patel, Byron James, and Eliza Hebditch have all been recommended in the Spear’s 500 for 2024 – a reflection of their exceptional expertise and reputation in family law.
Lexis Nexis Legal Awards 2024
We are delighted to share that our outstanding team was shortlisted as a finalist for International Team of the Year at the esteemed Lexis Nexis Legal Awards.
These accolades reflect our team’s unwavering dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence in the field of family law. Here’s to more achievements in the coming year! Here’s to continued success and even greater achievements in the year ahead!
Events and Conferences
Our team participated in a wide range of events and conferences across the globe this year, both as speakers and attendees. These opportunities allow us to strengthen our network of international family lawyers, ensuring we deliver the very best service to our clients.
UIA Global Mobility Form
Hero Lomas represented Expatriate Law as a speaker on Immigration and International Family Law at the UIA Global Mobility Forum. The session, titled “Family Matters – Marrying Family Changes and Family Law Changes in International Work Assignments”, explored the evolving family dynamics that arise during international work assignments and the challenges posed by differing family law regimes across jurisdictions.
Hero joined an expert panel alongside Hermie De Voer (Everaert Advocaten, Amsterdam) and Julien Tron (MLL Legal Ltd, Geneva), moderated by Matthew Wills (Laura Devine Immigration Law, London).
Hero’s insights underscored the complex interplay between family law and immigration law, particularly when life changes—such as the birth of children, relationship transitions, or differing legal systems—impact expatriate families.
American Bar Association’s 2024 Section of Family Law Spring CLE Conference
Eliza Hebditch took to the stage on a panel at the ABA Spring CLE Conference in Boston, sharing valuable insights on the English Court’s approach to child relocation.
Eliza was joined by Naomi Grimwood, Associate at Expatriate Law, as they connected with colleagues and local contacts throughout the event. The conference provided a fantastic opportunity to engage with leading family law professionals, exchange ideas, and strengthen ties with our US-based network.
AIJA Rotterdam conference
David Hansford represented Expatriate Law at the AIJA Rotterdam conference, Transporting Law(yers) into the Future: Equality, Specialisation, and Legal Tech at the Start of the 21st Century, held from 27–29 June 2024. Delegates from around the world discussed key topics such as Article 8 ECHR’s role in family and immigration law, children’s rights in court proceedings, and the benefits and challenges of arbitration, including a mock arbitration session. Social events, including rooftop drinks and a lively dinner, added to the conference’s success, making it a memorable experience for all involved.
IAFL/AIJA Introduction to European Law Conference
David Hansford attended the IAFL/AIJA Introduction to European Law Conference, held in Paris on 3 December 2024.
- The first session examined approaches to children’s residence and maintenance across jurisdictions, with contributions from practitioners in England, Scotland, France, and Turkey.
- The second session delved into the access and enforcement of maintenance obligations, including insights from a representative of the French Central Authority.
- The final session addressed child relocation and child abduction, with speakers Amy Rowe, Christelle Unsalan, Michael Wells Greco, and Agata Kielcynska sharing their expertise on court processes, timeframes for relocation applications, and the complexities of returning abducted children, particularly to third states.
Reported and notable cases
G v H (Relocation to Australia: Immigration Issues) [2024] EWFC 230 (B) (24 January 2024)
Oscar Smith acted for the mother in the case of G v H (Relocation to Australia: Immigration Issues) [2024] EWFC 230 (B) (24 January 2024) who was successful in her application for permission to relocate to Australia with her autistic son. The Court emphasized the mother’s financial struggles, her uncertain immigration status in the UK, and her reliance on family support in Australia, which was critical to the child’s stability. This was weighed against the challenges of sustaining the father’s post-relocation contact with the child. Ultimately, the Court prioritized the child’s needs and the mother’s ability to provide stability, and ordered the mother to ensure the child’s annual UK visits for two weeks, as well as allowed the father to visit Australia twice yearly.
Landmark Ruling on Joint Custody in the UAE
The Abu Dhabi Court of Appeal has upheld a significant decision reinforcing joint custody, even for parents with demanding international careers.
The case involved an Etihad Airways pilot whose frequent travel led the mother to seek sole custody of their young daughter. The courts rejected this, granting the father a full week with his daughter each month. This ruling sets a precedent that professional commitments do not diminish a parent’s role, with equal parenting remaining the default unless it conflicts with the child’s best interests.
This decision reflects the UAE’s progressive approach to family law, ensuring fairness for parents and prioritising children’s well-being.
A Royal Divorce
Expatriate Law had the pleasure of representing the brilliant Prinz Marcus in his divorce through the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court. A beautifully amicable divorce where the parties laughed and smiled their way through the incredibly efficient AD process.
Publications
Legal 500 guide: UAE Family laws and regulations
Byron James, Partner and Head of Expatriate Law’s UAE team, has authored the United Arab Emirates: Family Law chapter for The Legal 500‘s Country Comparative Guides. This comprehensive guide offers an in-depth overview of family laws and regulations in the UAE, reflecting the nation’s recent legal reforms aimed at accommodating its diverse population. Byron’s expertise provides valuable insights for expatriates and international clients navigating family law matters in the region.
International Family Law Journal
Alexandra Tribe, Partner at Expatriate Law, and Islamic family law expert Mohammed Siddique Patel have co-authored an insightful article in the International Family Law Journal on the safeguards required for the cross-border travel of children between England and the Middle East, following Mohammed’s reported case of MA v TA [2023] EWFC 271 (B) (11 December 2023).
The article examines a complex case in which Siddique represented one parent in a dispute over whether their 3-year-old son, living in the UK with his mother, should spend time with his father in the UAE. It explores key issues such as the enforcement of English orders in the UAE, the drafting of Settlement Agreements to reflect English orders, and the availability of mirror orders. This collaborative work highlights both Alexandra and Mohammed’s expertise in international family law.
Service in International Matrimonial Cases
In international family law, service can often be overlooked, yet it is a critical element in every case. In his latest article for Lexis Nexis Family Law, Oscar Smith breaks down the importance of following the correct service rules.
With the end of lis pendens rules post-Brexit, getting the service process right from the outset can be pivotal, particularly in forum disputes involving competing jurisdictions. Failure to follow these rules could leave your client vulnerable and perhaps lead to them being divorced in a jurisdiction less favourable to their interests than in England and Wales.
Oscar provides key tips and practical guidance for practitioners to ensure proper service, helping to safeguard your client’s interests.
Quoted in Adoption Guide (Tatler)
In the Tatler article, Adoption Guide: Why You Need Legal Help, Alexandra Tribe discusses the complexities of adoption and the importance of legal guidance. Whether domestic or international, adoption involves intricate processes and permanent legal changes. Alexandra emphasises early legal advice to meet criteria, address challenges, and navigate varying requirements. The article also highlights a rise in adoption by same-sex couples and high-profile individuals. Legal expertise ensures a smoother journey into adoption and protects all parties involved.
Charitable work
Action for Children
Expatriate Law raised over £190 for Action for Children by getting their bake on! Organised by our lovely Abigail, the team took turns bringing in baked treats to raise money for this very worthwhile cause. Even better, as Nationwide were doubling all funds raised in this period, the actual value of our funds raised was closer to £380! To put this into perspective:
- £10 would fund a trip to see Santa for Christmas
- £25 would ensure a child receives gifts at Christmas
- £40 would pay for food for a child for a week, including hot meals in the evening
- £100 would buy gifts, warm bedding and Christmas dinner for a child
The money raised will make a real difference to someone’s Christmas.
If you’d also like to donate or wish to share the link with family/friends, it can be found by clicking HERE.
Supporting the homeless
This year, we came together to collect coats and warm clothing in support of the SMART Prebend Centre, a vital homelessness charity in Bedford, helping to bring comfort to those in need during the colder months.
