Expertise

One of England’s leading divorce lawyers, Sam specialises in international and high value divorce and family law cases. He has represented clients in cases which have become leading authorities in English law, most recently representing the successful husband in the Supreme Court during Standish v Standish [2025] UKSC 26.

Sam’s clients range from leaders in the financial and tech industries across the world, sports and entertainment stars and families with generational and dynastic wealth structures. Sam’s work client base is very international, with a particular emphasis on the US, Asia and the Middle East.

Sam is instructed by individuals, families, and trustees across the world to address issues arising from divorce, and to assist in the preparation of pre- and post-nuptial agreements. He also has extensive expertise in complex parental disputes, with a particular emphasis on international relocation.

Sam is also at the forefront of ‘private court’ arbitrations, and many of his cases utilise this private and expedient route for the resolution of family disputes.

Sam is known for his complete discretion, commercial advice and ability to achieve swift, best-outcome solutions for his clients.

Leading Authorities & Experience

• Lead partner for the husband in Standish v Standish [2025] UKSC 26, successfully representing the husband in the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom (and earlier hearings in the Court of Appeal and High Court) in a landmark case concerning the correct treatment of pre-marital wealth and the concepts of matrimonial property and ‘matrimonialisation’, leading to the largest ever reduction to a divorce award (45%) in this jurisdiction, and confirmation that there is no right to ‘share’ assets which are unconnected to a marriage. Click here for full details and resources.
• ARQ v YAQ [2022] EWFC 128, representing the husband in a matter concerning the treatment of significant pre-marital wealth and the legal definition of matrimonial property
• Baker v Baker [2022] EWFC 15, securing provision for interim maintenance in financial remedy case involving an international family
• WG v HG [2018] EWFC, dealing with financial provision from non-matrimonial assets)
• Kelly v Pyres [2018] EWCA Civ 1368, Court of Appeal decision on divorce jurisdiction and forum shopping
• In the matter of C (Children) [2018] UKSC 8, Supreme Court decision regarding the international relocation of children following separation

Recognition

Sam is acknowledged as one of the leading lawyers of his generation.  In addition to his successes for clients, Sam receives regular professional accolades for his work. In 2025, Sam was named Spears Family Lawyer of the Year in recognition of his standing in the family law community.

Chambers praises Sam as “a great tactician and a good fighting litigator. He’s very clear and forthright in his advice, and commands total respect from his clients.”

The Legal 500 comments that Sam stays “very calm under pressure”, with prior editions recognising his “detailed knowledge of multi-jurisdictional divorces”.

Spear’s says of Sam: “One of the UK’s leading partners, Longworth is popular among clients, referrers and peers alike. He is ‘very highly regarded not only for his personal qualities but also his excellence as a lawyer’.”

Career

After training in London, Sam spent time at a leading regional practice before joining Stewarts in 2007, where he became partner in 2013.

Accreditations and Memberships

Sam is a fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers and Vice Chair of The International Family Law Committee of The American Bar Association Section of International Law. He is an active member of the IBA and Resolution.

Publications and Media

Sam is a regular commentator on developments in family law, divorce planning, divorce arbitration and international relocation. He is a presenter for Lexis Nexis, and has spoken at various international conferences.

Personal

When not working on behalf of clients, Sam enjoys spending time with his large family.