Legal News
Multi-Million Pound Couple Must Divorce In English Courts (2 November 2011)
Date: 02/11/2011
A Greek tycoon must divorce in the English courts of law, according to a Court of Appeal ruling. Pyrros Vardinoyannis and his Brazilian wife met in St. Tropez. While they initially set up home in London, the couple also spent a considerable amount of time in Milan, Sao Paulo, Los Angeles, Crete, and Gstaad. His wife filed for divorce in the UK while she was living in the capital city and Mr. Vardinoyannis was living in Switzerland. Mr. Vardinoyannis’ lawyers attempted to prevent his wife from pursuing divorce in what they claim to be the “generous” English courts of law. Mr. Vardinoyannis disputed his wife’s claim that she had resided in London for a year before filing for divorce. Mr. Vardinoyannis told of how his wife had several spent months of that year in Crete and Switzerland.
At the High Court, Mr. Justice Peter Jackson ruled against Mr. Vardinoyannis, claiming that the family lived an unsettled lifestyle. The Court of Appeal upheld the High Court’s decision. The divorce battle will therefore proceed in the English courts. Lord Justice Thorpe claimed that European law stipulates not for Mr. Vardinoyannis’ presence in London but for her residence there. The Vardinoyannis’ West London family home has been sold. The couple now reside at separate properties in the capital.
Duncan Lewis’ family law solicitors offer detailed, considerate, and effective advice on divorce proceedings. The team encourages out of court resolutions, as opposed to litigation, wherever possible. However, the department is fully equipped to advise on instigating court proceedings in the event that they offer a sensible method of achieving the most favourable outcome for a client.