Will MacFarlane

Will is a partner in the Family & Divorce team and advises clients on the full range of family law issues arising on the breakdown of relationships. He has a particular interest in resolving complex financial claims often with an international element. He has over 15 years of experience having spent his formative years at Withers in London. He is ranked in the Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide and listed in the recommended category of the Spears Family Law Index.

He also advises on arrangements for children following the breakdown of a relationship.

On the non-contentious side, he is frequently instructed by families to advise on wealth protection issues and nuptial and cohabitation agreements.

Specific areas of expertise include:

- Financial claims on divorce often with assets held abroad or in corporate or trust structures;

- Jurisdiction disputes and financial claims following a foreign divorce;

- Advising clients wishing to vary or terminate ongoing maintenance payments;

- Wealth protection including advising on domestic and international prenuptial and postnuptial agreements to protect businesses, trust interests and inherited wealth;

- Advising on cohabitation agreements to avoid property disputes between unmarried couples;

- Child arrangements disputes and acting for parents wishing to relocate abroad with their children; and

- Financial claims for children brought by unmarried parents.

His clients have included professional sportspeople (including premiership football and rugby players), investment bankers, city professionals, entrepreneurs, business owners and landowners. His recent international work has involved other jurisdictions including Russia, Brazil, France, Italy, China, Serbia and the USA (Illinois and California) and he has worked closely with lawyers in those jurisdictions to achieve his client’s aims.

Where possible, Will seeks to settle cases without the need for contested court proceedings but he will fight his client’s corner if required.