Russian billionaire's former spouse secures Court of Appeal approval for filing lawsuit in London

In a legal battle that could potentially become the highest-value divorce case in English history, the Court of Appeal has overturned the dismissal of Natalia Potanina's case against her ex-husband, Russian billionaire Vladimir Potanin.

The legal dispute, which started in England in 2019, has seen the couple's case spend years in the UK courts. Mr Potanin, estimated to be worth around 20 billion US dollars (£15.7 billion), and Mrs Potanina, who is seeking around £5 billion following the breakdown of their marriage, are now set to return to the Court of Appeal.

The businessman claims the couple separated in 2007, with a Russian court granting a divorce in 2014. However, Mrs Potanina argues that they did not separate until 2013.

Lawyers for Mr Potanin opposed the appeal, stating that his ex-wife had no connection to England. However, the Court of Appeal ruled that Mrs Potanina "had substantial ground" to pursue her claim in England. In a written judgment, Lord Justice Cobb believed that Mr Justice Cohen was "wrong" in his dismissal of Mrs Potanina's case.

Mrs Potanina's legal team argued that she had earned her share of the family's wealth after years of marriage and being the "main carer" for the three children the two have. They also claimed that Mr Justice Cohen was "inconsistent and illogical" in the way he dealt with Mrs Potanina's connection with England.

The Court of Appeal hearing in July 2022 was held after the case had already spent years in the UK courts. The Court of Appeal has now ruled that Natalia Potanina "would probably be able to argue that she is/was 'fully entitled' to a wide range of financial relief consequent upon divorce."

Frances Hughes, from Hughes Fowler Carruthers, which represents Mrs Potanina, stated that the decision of the Court of Appeal is a second vindication of their client. The legal team hopes that the case can now be resolved and concluded without further delay.

It's important to note that Mr Potanin was hit with UK sanctions in June 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The legal battle between the two parties is taking place in London.

However, the search results do not provide information about which lawyer represents Natalia Potanina in the legal dispute.

The Supreme Court ruled with a three-to-two majority in Mr Potanin's favor in January 2021, sending the case back to the Court of Appeal for reconsideration. The Court of Appeal has now overturned this decision, giving hope to Mrs Potanina that her case may proceed.

Mrs Potanina and Mr. Potanin married in Russia in 1983 and have lived throughout their married life in Russia. Despite the international nature of the case, the Court of Appeal's ruling brings the case one step closer to a resolution.

Russian billionaire's former spouse secures Court of Appeal approval for filing lawsuit in London