Boris Berezovsky & Galina Besharova: The 45-Second Divorce That Cost £220 Million
They lived together for two years, separated for fifteen, and a 45-second London court hearing produced one of history's largest divorce payouts.
Key Facts
What Happened
Boris Berezovsky was one of Russia's original oligarchs, a mathematician turned businessman who amassed a fortune estimated at over $3 billion during Russia's chaotic 1990s privatization era. He held significant stakes in the country's oil, media, and automotive industries and wielded enormous political influence, helping to engineer Vladimir Putin's rise to the presidency. When Putin turned against the oligarchs, Berezovsky fled to London in 2000, where he received political asylum.
Berezovsky married Galina Besharova, and while the couple had two children, they only lived together for about two years before separating. Despite the separation, they remained legally married for 18 years and maintained contact for the sake of their children. Berezovsky, meanwhile, lived extravagantly in London, maintaining multiple properties and a lavish lifestyle funded by his Russian-era fortune.
In 2010, Galina filed for divorce in London. The actual hearing lasted just 45 seconds, with neither party present in court. But the financial settlement was anything but quick. Reports indicate Galina received up to £220 million ($330 million), making it one of the largest divorce payouts in English legal history at the time. The settlement reflected London courts' reputation for generous treatment of non-earning spouses, particularly in cases involving substantial wealth.
The settlement proved devastating for Berezovsky. Combined with his loss of a $6.5 billion lawsuit against fellow oligarch Roman Abramovich in 2012, the divorce payment contributed to severe financial strain. On March 23, 2013, Berezovsky was found dead at his home in Ascot, Berkshire. The official verdict was suicide by hanging, though the circumstances remained disputed. The case stands as a stark reminder that even the wealthiest individuals can be brought to financial ruin by the confluence of divorce settlements, lost lawsuits, and declining fortunes.
Legal Breakdown: London as the 'Divorce Capital of the World'
London's Generous Divorce Jurisdiction
London has earned its reputation as the 'divorce capital of the world' because English courts tend to award non-earning spouses a significantly higher percentage of marital assets than many other jurisdictions. The principle of 'equal sharing' established in the landmark case of White v White (2000) means that both parties' contributions, including homemaking and child-rearing, are valued equally. For wealthy foreign nationals living in London, this creates enormous financial exposure.
Long Separation, Full Entitlement
Despite living apart for 15 of the 18 years of marriage, Galina was entitled to a full share of the marital estate. English law does not automatically reduce a spouse's share based on the length of separation during an ongoing marriage. As long as the parties are legally married, the non-earning spouse's claim on the marital estate remains substantially intact.
Cascading Financial Pressures
The Berezovsky case illustrates how a divorce settlement can be the trigger that sets off a chain of financial collapse. When combined with other adverse financial events, such as the lost Abramovich lawsuit, a massive divorce payment can push even a billionaire into insolvency. Financial advisors and divorce attorneys must consider the totality of a client's financial picture, not just the divorce in isolation.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →London's courts are among the most favorable in the world for non-earning spouses, a critical consideration for wealthy individuals living in the UK.
- →Long periods of separation during an ongoing marriage do not necessarily reduce a spouse's financial claims at divorce.
- →A major divorce settlement combined with other financial setbacks can create a cascading effect leading to complete financial collapse.
- →Wealthy individuals should consider the jurisdiction implications of where they establish residency, as it determines which divorce laws will apply.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.