Episode 39 Should I Divorce in England & Wales or New York?

In this episode, David Allison is joined by Mudita Chawla of Chemtob Moss Forman & Beyda to compare divorce and financial claims in England and Wales with the system in the state of New York. The discussion focuses on issues relevant to individuals with connections to both jurisdictions. Looking at both jurisdictions, they cover: • Jurisdiction for divorce, including domicile and residency • Grounds for divorce • Financial claims on divorce • Maintenance claims • Claims available to non-married couples • Pre- and post-nuptial agreements • Key differences between England and Wales and New York, United States of America.   **\** Disclaimer:** - At the time of recording this podcast the proposed reform in England and Wales affecting how finances are divided when relationships end for non married couples had not been announced. To understand more about the consultation, it can be accessed online here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-fairer-end-to-relationships.  About the speakers: David Allison is a highly regarded family lawyer and accredited mediator. The focus of his practice is financial claims on divorce, particularly those involving jurisdiction disputes, international asset structures, and families with connections to multiple countries. He works closely with overseas lawyers and professionals to coordinate strategies that protect individual's interests while maintaining a constructive, solutions-focused approach. Known for his calm and thoughtful style, David combines technical precision with a deep understanding of the human context behind each case. He supports people through challenging transitions with clear guidance, helping them move forward with stability and confidence. Known for his calm and thoughtful style, David combines technical precision with a deep understanding of the human context behind each case. He supports people through challenging transitions with clear guidance, helping them move forward with stability and confidence. Mudita Chawla represents clients in all aspects of family and matrimonial law. She has significant experience settling and litigating disputed cases before both the trial and appellate courts. Mudita is an assertive and compassionate advocate who fights relentlessly for her clients. Known for helping clients navigate through the divorce process and understand how the legal system works, Mudita keenly listens to her clients' concerns and crafts legal strategies with them which realize their goals. She is a skilled negotiator who recognizes that her clients' needs are often best met through settlement. At other times, however, when it is in her clients' best interests, Mudita will zealously litigate their cases, making her clients' goals her highest priority. Mudita's tenacity and attention to detail are invaluable assets that her clients revere time and again. Mudita is a member of the International Academy of Family Lawyers, where she serves as the Assistant Treasurer, the New York Bar Association (Family Law Section), the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York and the New York Women's Bar Association. She served as a member of Sanctuary for Families' Pro Bono Committee. Mudita has been qualified as an expert to testify on New York State Matrimonial Law. She has served as a faculty member of the American Bar Association, Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence on numerous occasions and the ABA International Law Section, a guest lecturer at The Annual Fordham Forum on Domestic Violence and has presented at conferences of the International Academy of Family Lawyers.