Natalia Potanina, the former wife of one of Russia’s wealthiest individuals, has been granted permission to proceed with a record-breaking multi-billion-pound divorce case, expected to be the largest in English history. Seeking a £5 billion settlement from her ex-husband, Vladimir Potanin, whose net worth is approximately $20 billion or £15.7 billion, she initiated legal action in 2019 and has now successfully secured a Court of Appeal ruling to pursue her substantial claim despite her ex-husband facing sanctions related to his role in the conflict in Ukraine.
The divorce saga between Ms. Potanina and Mr. Potanin, which began over a decade ago when he revealed his desire to end their marriage due to an affair, has escalated into a high-profile battle. Ms. Potanina, who resided in a lavish estate reminiscent of Versailles near Moscow and enjoyed luxurious vacations on yachts in the Mediterranean and Cap d’Antibes with her former spouse, is now aiming for half of his fortune amassed during their marriage. Highlighting their humble beginnings as impoverished Soviet students in the 1970s, she emphasized her integral role in their family’s prosperity.
The focal point of the dispute lies in the family’s residence in Nemchinovo, a village west of Moscow, where they raised their three children. Despite Mr. Potanin’s claims of separation in 2007 and a subsequent divorce in 2014, Ms. Potanina argues that their split occurred in 2013. Following years of legal battles, recent court rulings have favored Ms. Potanina’s pursuit of a substantial portion of Mr. Potanin’s assets, including shares in Norilsk Nickel and a Russian property named The Autumn House.
Today’s verdict marks a significant milestone in the prolonged legal proceedings in the UK courts. Upheld by the Court of Appeal, Ms. Potanina’s claim for a substantial sum from her ex-spouse has been reinforced, indicating a potential resolution to the protracted dispute. Amidst the legal complexities and jurisdictional debates, Ms. Potanina’s legal team remains optimistic about a swift and equitable resolution to the contentious divorce case.
In compliance with data privacy regulations, we and our affiliates utilize cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience, analyze site usage, and provide personalized content. You can manage your data preferences by adjusting settings on our website. By using our services, you consent to the use of cookies as outlined in our Privacy Notice and Cookie Policy.