Divorce isn't such a tragedy. A tragedy's staying in an unhappy marriage, teaching your children the wrong things about love. Nobody ever died of divorce.
Jennifer Weiner
Family Law: divorce proceedings, conclusion of marriage (Russia)
?
Question

Given that property cannot be divided by Russian courts, and should my wife move to the USA meaning Alimony will be decided in the USA – in your opinion is it in my best interests to get divorced in Russia or America? It appears to me that I will end up paying 2 times for lawyers, i.e. in the USA and Russia. Therefore, is it not better to simply get divorced in the USA...... My first assumption being that the divorce, alimony and financial agreements could be decided by Russian courts would be enforced in the UK and USA. This does not seem to be the case.

!
Answer

You cannot demand alimony from yourself. Your wife has the right to request alimony. It’s difficult to imagine the situation when she goes with such suit to Russian court. I would not file for alimony to Russian court because there is no treaty about legal redress between Russian and USA, and between Russian and UK. And to enforce such decision of Russian court one should go to court again. But for voluntary fulfillment, it’s enough just to sign a notary agreement and court is not needed at all.

Articles and consultations authored by attorney reflect the state of law as of the date of their writing. The laws change daily. Users of this site are advised to consult attorney regarding their situation.
Karina Duvall
The highest compliment you can pay me is the referral of a friend or a relative.
+1-718-704-8558 New York
+1-212-574-3288 New York (Fax)
+1-617-848-0870 Boston
+1-310-929-8444 Los Angeles
+7-495-662-8721 Moscow
+7-921-946-0582 St.Petersburg
+7-812-309-5697 St.Petersburg (fax)
Divorce in Russia ©
Copyright © 1998-2026
Russian attorney at law Karina Duvall.
Terms and conditions of Russian-Divorce PC