Sam Longworth

Practice Areas

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.

Career

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

Professional Memberships

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.

Publications

Sam is a regular commentator on developments in family law, divorce planning, divorce arbitration and international relocation. He is a presenter for Lexis Nexis, and has spoken at various international conferences.

Personal

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

Work Highlights

ARQ v YAQ [2022] EWFC 128 (High Court – financial provision involving arguments as to whether all or some of very significant pre-marital assets had become ‘matrimonialised’ and so subject to the sharing principle)

Baker v Baker [2022] EWFC 15 (High Court – provision for interim maintenance in financial remedy case involving an international family)

WG v HG [2018] EWFC (High Court – 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)

U v J (No.2)(Domicile) [2017] EWHC 449 (Fam) (High Court – multi-jurisdictional divorce forum dispute).

J v U [2016] EWHC 2481 (Fam) (children forum shopping)

Industry Sector Expertise

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 and Court of Appeal in a landmark case concerning the correct treatment of significant 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, with judgement currently awaited from the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. 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