Roman Abramovich & Irina: The $300 Million Oligarch Divorce That Invented 'Divorce Tourism'

What Happened

Roman Abramovich, the Russian oligarch who purchased Chelsea Football Club for £140 million in 2003, divorced his second wife Irina in 2007 after 16 years of marriage. At the time, Abramovich’s net worth was estimated at $18.7 billion, making this potentially the most expensive divorce in history.

The critical legal question was jurisdiction. Abramovich had Russian citizenship, a London residence, properties in multiple countries, and business interests spanning the globe. Irina’s legal team wanted to file in London, where English courts are famously generous to the lower-earning spouse. Abramovich’s team preferred Russian courts, where settlements are typically far more modest.

The divorce was ultimately settled out of court, reportedly for approximately $300 million. While enormous, this was a fraction of what Irina could have received in a full English court proceeding. The case popularized the term 'divorce tourism' — the practice of filing for divorce in whichever jurisdiction offers the best outcome for the filing spouse. London became known as the 'divorce capital of the world.'

The settlement included cash, property, and Abramovich’s private Boeing 767 jet. Irina largely disappeared from public life after the divorce. The case transformed international family law by highlighting how dramatically different outcomes can be depending on which country’s courts hear the case — a Russian settlement might have been $5 million; a fully litigated English case could have yielded billions.

Legal Breakdown: Jurisdiction Shopping

What This Means for Your Divorce