WED 19 – SAT 22 MARCH 2025, CHAMONIX-MONT-BLANC, FRANCE
Our 2025 International Family Law Conference in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is now finished. Leading private client and family law experts from all over the world shared their expertise on a diverse set of topics.
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our conference.
To join our mailing list to be notified of future events, please contact Anna by email on anna@expatriatelaw.com.
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. Don’t miss our early bird registration, open until 15 November. Secure your spot today!
Venue: Congress Centre Le Majestic, 241 All. du Majestic, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France Directions
1KBW
020 7936 1500
www.1kbw.co.uk
1KBW has a pre-eminent reputation as family law barristers, both nationally and internationally.
They are consistently ranked by the legal directories in the top tiers of leading sets for family law and are unique in their strength in depth for both finance and children cases. Their London based barristers have been at the cutting edge of the development of family law and have been in most of the ground-breaking cases over the last two decades. They also have one of the most innovative and experienced Dispute Resolution teams in the country.
Steve McCrone
Senior Clerk
020 7797 7070
www.1hc.com
1 Hare Court is a universally lauded set with distinguished matrimonial finance practitioners. It has seasoned silks and highly commended juniors, who tackle the largest and most challenging and acrimonious financial disputes following the dissolution of relationships.
Many of these cases involve issues relating to complex offshore assets, trusts, pensions and concealed wealth. Individuals here have decades of cumulative experience in the handling of multi-jurisdictional disputes and many are fully trained private FDR judges. One recent work highlight for the set was Collardeau-Fuchs v Fuchs, a large financial remedy case. Its clientele consists of exceptionally high net worth and high-profile individuals, including politicians, royalty and multibillionaires. Sources say that 1 Hare Court is “an incredibly strong set of barristers at every level.”
Dr Markus Zwicky
Partner
zp-law.ch/en
Zwicky & Partner is a boutique law firm in the economic region of Zug with experience since 1991. Each of our attorneys-at-law have a preferred area of expertise.
We advise mainly on inheritance and family law, corporate and contract law, criminal and road traffic law and building and planning law. Our attorneys-at-law are specialized in a wide range of activities and offer comprehensive legal advice, assist in negotiations and provide expert representation for our clients before Swiss authorities and courts. Our criminal defence and litigation attorneys represent and accompany in all Swiss courts and authorities. As notaries, we draft and notarize contracts and resolutions in matrimonial and inheritance law, wills and inheritance contracts as well as in corporate law. We certify copies and signatures in over eight languages. For domestic as well as international clients, Zwicky & Partner offers a solution-oriented and personalized mandate management and supports clients in order to achieve the best possible results customized to their needs.
The majority of our attorneys-at-law have additional legal qualifications and overseas experience. We have a large network of leading specialists in Switzerland and abroad, with whom we maintain close and regular collaboration. We offer advice in the following languages: German, English, Spanish, French, Turkish, Italian, Albanian and Dutch.
James Evans
Head of UK Professional Education
0203 514 0008
www.ourfamilywizard.co.uk
OurFamilyWizard is a global co-parenting platform that empowers parents and caregivers with the tools they need to achieve healthy communication after divorce or separation.
Every decision we make centres around helping families and supporting professionals that serve families. We obsess over improving lives, sweat the details, and empower our team to put their families first so they can be at their best to deliver.
Frances Goldsmith
Partner
+33 142 84 0707
www.libra-avocats.com
Libra Avocats is a boutique law firm in Paris with global experience, offering clients a range of services from international family law, estate litigation, mediation, surrogacy and general litigation related to Private Client needs.
Arabella Paul
The Divorce Survival Coach
+44 7876 351822
www.thedivorcesurvivalcoach.com
The Divorce Survival Coach provides expert break-up and divorce coaching to individuals facing the emotional and logistical complexities of separation, with a particular focus on high-conflict cases and domestic abuse. Our coaching complements legal professionals by helping clients manage their emotions, develop coping strategies, and make clear, confident decisions. By working alongside divorce lawyers and mediators, we help clients remain focused, empowered, and resilient throughout the process – ultimately reducing conflict and promoting constructive outcomes.
Beyond supporting individuals, we collaborate with corporate leaders to foster workplace awareness around emotional abuse, equipping businesses to better support employees navigating personal crises. By bridging the gap between emotional well-being and professional success, we help both individuals and organisations move forward with strength, clarity, and purpose.
Danny Chapman
Senior Clerk, Family
0207 421 8093
36group.co.uk/family
36 Family are experts in all areas of family law, from family finance to the welfare of children. They approach every case with sensitivity, respect for their clients, and fearless advocacy.
As one of the leading sets of chambers for family law nationally and internationally, their barristers are known for their tenacity and are frequently involved in complex and challenging cases. No matter the status or value, they treat every case with the same determination to succeed for their clients. They are also recognised for their expertise in family-chancery crossover work and as pioneers in alternative dispute resolution.
Dr Hassan Elhais
Legal Consultant
Abu Dhabi Office +971 2 650 1211
www.alrowaad.ae
Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy is a full-service law firm committed to delivering sound judgment to its clients on their most difficult and important matters.
Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy is duly licensed to perform legal services and advocacy in the U.A.E., reaching out to local and U.A.E. based international clients. Among our firm’s strong practice areas are family law, criminal law, civil law, corporate & commercial, banking, maritime & transport, labour, litigation & arbitration, and real estate. Our law firm recognizes the importance of staff training so that our clients can count on our expertise in the various and complex aspects of the law and receive the highest level of personalized service. We are a multi-lingual firm offering services in Arabic, English, French, Russian, Hindi, Urdu, Iranian and Tagalog.
Alexis Campbell KC
Joint Head of Chambers
+44 (0) 207 404 1044
www.29br.co.uk
29 Bedford Row is one of the foremost family law barristers’ chambers in the country.
Routinely ranked as one of the top chambers for family law by both Chambers and the Legal 500 directories, we can also lay claim to being the most modern and dynamic of the specialist family law sets. Whilst our reputation is long-established, our recent growth has been remarkable. A four-silk set at the start of 2010, we are now a set with eleven silks and many of the leading juniors in the country in both financial remedy and children work. That we have twice the number of barristers that we had just over ten years ago is perhaps the most obvious marker of the ever-increasing demand for our services. We are based in modern and spacious premises in the centre of London, our IT is up-to-the-minute, we are fully committed to equality and diversity, and we continue to be at the forefront of how the law, the legal market and legal services are developing. Our ambitions and philosophy are as one – to be ahead of the rest by being ahead of the game.
Hannah Davie
Partner, Head of contentious estates and family disputes
Insolvency and asset recovery
Grant Thornton UK LLP
D +44 (0)20 7865 2849 | T +44 (0)20 7383 5100
E hannah.davie@uk.gt.com
Alfred Ip
Partner
www.hugillandip.com
Independent law firm in Hong Kong providing bespoke legal services and exceptional client service to individuals, families, entrepreneurs and businesses, locally and internationally.
Our solicitors have achieved outstanding results in the most recent editions of Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, Asialaw, Benchmark Litigation, Who’s Who Legal, Spear’s 500, Private Client Global Elite, Citywealth’s Leaders List and Doyle’s Guide. We are committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and in the community. We believe that social responsibility is a necessary ethical stand, in which individuals are accountable for fulfilling their civic duty.
Paul Hennessy
Senior Practice Manager
ph@4pb.com
+44 (0) 7798 601 469
www.4pb.com
4PB is one of the largest chambers in England and Wales, practising only in the field of Family Law, comprising 25 ‘silks’ and 67 ‘juniors’, a total of 92. Our barristers practise across all areas of family law. Instructed by the country’s premier family law firms, our practitioners are regularly involved in landmark developments in family law and family justice. We are leaders in our field recognised each year by numerous legal accolades and awards, including Family Law Chambers of the Year at both the Chambers and Partners UK Bar Awards 2024 and the LexisNexis Family Law Awards 2024.
Our barristers are supported by a first-class team of clerks, practice managers and administrative staff, headed by the Director of Practice & Business Development, Michael Reeves and Chambers Manager, Furhana Mallick.
Jamie Fergusson
Founder and Managing Director
Thomson Tyndall
020 7100 3667
www.thomsontyndall.com
Thomson Tyndall is an independent financial advisory and investment management company based in Westminster. Thomson Tyndall looks after UK-based private clients and their families, and provides independent financial planning advice as well as investment portfolio management from our offices in Westminster. In addition, Thomson Tyndall has a strategic partnership with 28 Advisory based in Hong Kong through whom they look after ex-pats and clients with a more international dimension to their financial affairs.
Shawntel Randi
Senior Associate, Private Clients Group
Phone: +1.315.323.8256
Phone: +41.79.910.6781
srandi@nixonpeabody.com
www.nixonpeabody.com
Shawntel Randi is a senior associate in Nixon Peabody’s Private Clients group. Her practice includes estate planning (including trust administration) and tax planning for high-net worth individuals and families both in the United States and around the world. In her international practice, Shawntel advises non–US persons with US connections, US persons living abroad, and US persons with foreign investments, including pre-immigration and expatriation planning.
Additionally, she advises on the myriad of US tax and reporting regimes, including US federal income and transfer taxes, FIRPTA, foreign investment tax and reporting (PFICs and CFCs), and FATCA. Furthermore, Shawntel uses her experience at a Swiss trust company to help clients structure and administer trusts and underlying holding structures in the most efficient and practical manner, while at the same time providing sophisticated guidance regarding any tax and reporting implications. Lastly, Shawntel assists clients who are participating in the IRS voluntary disclosure programs.
The full programme is available here.
Some of the interesting and wide ranging topics that will be covered, through presentations and panel sessions, can be seen below:
Speakers from our International Family Law Conference in Lisbon 2024
Kindly sponsored by 1 Kings Bench Walk (1KBW) chambers, glamorous welcome drinks will take place on the outdoor terrace of La Folie Douce hotel in Chamonix, under the magnificent backdrop of the Mont Blanc. This is a free event for delegates, but you will require a ticket which which you can book below.
Venue: La Folie Douce hotel, 823 All. Recteur Payot, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
Your evening is free after these drinks, so if you wish to book a table for dinner at La Folie Douce, please follow the instructions below.
Restaurant booking details for La Folie Douce hotel:
For reservations less than 12 people, contact the restaurant:
lapetitecuisine.chx@lafoliedoucehotels.com
For group bookings (more than 12 people), email Clarisse Vatinel:
mice.events02@lafoliedoucehotels.com
Put your knowledge to the test and enjoy a night of fun and excitement at our inaugural Expatriate Law Quiz Night! There will be ten teams of ten and with a variety of rounds ranging from pop culture to history, classical music to current affairs, there will be something for everyone.
You will enjoy free flowing wine, beer and soft drinks, which are kindly sponsored by Our Family Wizard as well as a fabulous Quiz-master in the form of James Evans, also provided by Our Family Wizard (or should we say Our Family Quizard?!)
We will break halfway through the evening for a delicious Savoyarde feast, cooked by local chef Phil from Savoie Faire (please provide any special dietary requirements when purchasing your ticket).
And of course there will be prizes!
All of this for just £25 per person. Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. We can’t wait to see you there!
Venue: La Sapiniere Hotel, 102 Rue Mummery, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
Join us for a spectacular evening of drinks, dinner and dancing at the beautiful restaurant La Cabane which looks out on the Aiguielle du Midi and Mont Blanc. The champagne reception is generously being hosted by 1 Hare Court (1HC) chambers, the after-dinner party by Zwicky & Partner, and Sir Nicholas Mostyn will be our after dinner speaker.
Included within the ticket price is a mini bus to take you to and from the gala dinner, as well as all drinks, a 3-course dinner and dancing.
Cost per person: £145.00
Dress code: black tie or other formal evening dress.
Venue: La Cabane de Praz restaurant, 23 Rte du Golf, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
There are so many wonderful things to do when you are “off duty” in Chamonix that your only difficulty will be choosing which one!
Please register your interest (in the tickets section) if you and your guests might be interested in any of the below Saturday activities, and we can send you more information and join you up to the right group.
We will also soon be adding information about buying ski-passes in advance and where to rent your equipment, with some discount codes too. Watch this space!
We are very lucky to have friends in other law firms from near and far who know and love Chamonix. They are kindly hosting small dinners for our delegates (and their other halves) all over town on Saturday night. Please check out our lovely Dine Around hosts in the sponsors section!
Please register your interest if you would like to join one of these private dinner parties on Saturday evening in the tickets section.
We will circulate sign-up sheets for the various dinner parties nearer the event, so that you can coordinate with friends.
We at Expatriate Law want to encourage our delegates to travel to this beautiful part of our planet in ways which minimise our carbon footprint, so if you are able to avoid one or more flights on your journey to or from the conference, please let us know how you have arrived and we will honour you at the conference as an eco-warrior and award you with a special eco-prize!
Geneva is the most popular airport for travel to Chamonix due to its convenient transport links and travel times available at a range of prices.
Please see the Chamonix website for an extended list of travel options.
Chamonix is not a big place and you should be able to walk from your accommodation to the welcome drinks at La Folie Douce hotel, to the conference at Le Majestic conference centre and to the Quiz night at Le Sapiniere easily and all these are shown on the Map tab.
The exception to this is the Gala dinner at La Cabane on the Friday night, for which we will be organising minibuses.
For skiing, you can walk to and from Brevent lift and the Aiguille du Midi lift but to ski from any of the other lifts, you will either need to take the local bus (click here for bus timetable) or the local “Mont Blanc Express” train.
Alternatively, you can park at the bottom of all these lifts.
A charming hotel at the foot of the Mont Blanc, in a Scandinavian-inspired decor with cosy spaces. The decorations and warm spaces of Scandinavian inspiration create an atmosphere conducive to sharing. The attentive listening of the teams as well as the hospitality there reflects the history of this house, in which one may come to live a refined and friendly experience.
Use code ‘EXPLAW25’ when booking to receive a 12% discount on the listed rate.
Located in the heart of Chamonix and completely renovated this autumn, just a 5-minute walk from the conference centre. The hotel enjoys a calm and pleasant setting by the river.
Use code ‘EXPLAW25’ when booking to receive a 12% discount on the listed rate.
The hotel that allows you stay in a room with a breath-taking view of the Mont Blanc, in a cosy and warm atmosphere, at the gateway to the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. You can also be pampered with massages and treatments for a moment of well-being during your stay.
Use code ‘EXPLAW25’ when booking to receive a 12% discount on the listed rate.
A 4-star establishment in the form of a large family chalet in the mountains, refined and friendly. A ‘home away from home’ in a chic and authentic setting with a charming and comfortable atmosphere. Its spa and communal areas offer a wonderful experience in a unique location.
Use code ‘EXPLAW25’ when booking to receive a 12% discount on the listed rate.
A lifestyle hotel, just two minutes from the Aiguille du Midi cable car and a 10-minute walk from the Majestic conference centre. PlanB is a living space for all ages, combining events, a restaurant, accommodations, all in stylish surroundings that you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Use code ‘EXPLAW25’ when booking to receive a 15% discount on the listed rate.
Ideally located at the foot of the Aiguille du Midi cable car, the Heliopic Hotel & Spa is a superb address since 2013. The retro- chic design offers a warm and cosy atmosphere and is ideal to gather and relax for cocooning stays and seminars at the summits. Its high-end key point? The size of its living areas and the spacious rooms with balcony. The cherry on the cake?: its spa with its 15m long pool.
Use code ‘EXPLAW25’ when booking to receive a 12% discount on the listed rate.
At La Folie Douce Hotels Chamonix, the setting is spectacular and the wow effect is triggered at first glance, but it doesn’t stop at the décor. It’s rekindled throughout your stay by a resolutely festive spirit and the feeling of always having something new to discover. Outdoor pool with your head in the mountains, fitness, yoga and divine massages, travel between gentle madness and crazy sweetness at Feel Good Club Sport & Spa.
Use code ‘EXPLAW25’ when booking to receive a 15% discount on the listed rate.
Update (16 October 2024): This hotel is now fully booked for the dates of the conference.
We at Expatriate Law have booked the whole hotel for the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, which is why we are able to offer you such low prices for this gorgeous hotel. As a result, you will need to book a minimum 3-night block (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) and your rooms booked here will be non-refundable. Small doubles are €195 per night and large double or twin rooms are €235 per night.
In addition, breakfast is mandatory and is 15.90€ per person per day. There is also tourist tax at 1.60€ per person per day which are not included in the nightly room rate.
To book your accommodation at La Sapiniere, please email Mandy Laycock at info@chalethotelsapinierechamonix.com and mention the Expatriate Law conference of course.
Thank you for your interest in the conference. The conference is now over.
To join our mailing list to be notified of future events, please contact Anna Potter on anna@expatriatelaw.com.
Cancellations received in writing to melissa@expatriatelaw.com will be accepted until 30 November 2024 and booking fees will be refunded, less a GBP 100.00 administrative fee per person. This includes tickets for the Quiz and Gala Dinner but not for any activities you have booked with third parties.
Cancellations received after 30 November 2024 will not be refunded, but transfer of your registration to another person will be permitted up to 7 days prior to the date of the conference. Email melissa@expatriatelaw.com with the new registrant’s name, contact details, and any special requirements, eg dietary needs.
No refunds will be made for non-attendance at the conference.
In the unlikely event the conference is cancelled, any travel and accommodation costs will not be refunded and you should therefore make sure you have such eventualities covered by your travel.
All registrations received by Expatriate Law along with the full payment of fees corresponding to the events selected will be confirmed in writing.
Expatriate Law reserves the right to cancel or postpone the seminar to a later date, change the seminar venue and/or programme, make any corrections or modifications in the information published in the conference programme and cancel any invitation to participate in the conference, at any time and at their entire discretion, without having to provide any reasons for the same.
Neither Expatriate Law, nor any of its managers, employees, agents, members or representatives shall be held responsible for any loss or damage, of any nature, suffered (directly or indirectly) by a delegate, accompanying person or a third party following any cancellations, changes, postponements or modifications.
Expatriate Law strongly advises participants to subscribe to modifiable and/or refundable services, as well as to take out a cancellation insurance.
It is entirely your own responsibility to ensure that any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and for the activity you will be undertaking. Ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all of your intended activities for the duration of your trip, including mountain rescue where appropriate. If you are booking on behalf of other people, it is important you ensure that appropriate insurance has been arranged by ALL OTHERS in your booking. This is entirely for your own financial protection in the event of an injury or an accident. Expatriate Law cannot advise on insurance policies and cannot be held responsible if in the event of a claim your insurance is inadequate.
Neither Expatriate Law, nor any of its managers, employees, agents, members or representatives shall be held responsible for any loss or damage, of any nature whatever, suffered (directly or indirectly) by a delegate or accompanying person, except in case of death or personal injury due to gross negligence by Expatriate Law.
It is the responsibility of each attendee to check visa requirements for entry into France and to organise their visa if required. Full details can be found by visiting the official website of the Government of France. Please allow sufficient time for the relevant application procedures. The organisers will not accept liability for non-approval of visas and any request for a refund of registration fees paid will be considered under the deadlines of the meeting cancellation terms and conditions.
It is the responsibility of participants to ensure compliance with police, customs and health formalities for their journey. Participants unable to take part in the conference because of their inability to take a flight or any other means of transportation due to being unable to provide the documents required (passport, visa, vaccination certificate, etc.) cannot claim any reimbursement.
“Force majeure” means any events external to the parties, of both an unforeseeable and insurmountable nature that prevents either the client or the participants, or the agency or service providers involved in organising the seminar, from executing all or part of the obligations provided for in the present agreement. By express agreement, such will be the case in the event of a strike affecting the means of transport, hotel staff, air traffic controllers, an insurrection, a riot or any prohibition whatsoever decreed by governmental or public authorities.
It is expressly agreed that for the parties, a case of force majeure would suspend the execution of their reciprocal obligations. At the same time, each of the parties shall bear the burden of all the expenses incumbent upon them, resulting from the case of force majeure.
Expatriate Law cannot accept any responsibility in case of any health problems existing prior to the seminar that may lead to complications or be aggravated during the entire period of the stay: pregnancy, cardio-vascular problems, any allergies, special diets, any disorders under treatment and not yet consolidated on the day the seminar starts, psychic or mental or depressive illness, etc. (Non exhaustive list).
Personal data collected is processed by Expatriate Law, in its capacity as data controller. The data is used to manage registrations for the conference organised by Expatriate Law.
In accordance with the applicable regulations, you have the right to access, rectify and delete your personal data, as well as the right to data portability. You may also withdraw your consent to the processing of your personal data at any time or request that such processing be restricted.
Finally, you have the right to specify instructions concerning the fate of your data in the event of your demise.
Social Programme
Social programme for the International Family Law Conference Chamonix