Billionaire's ex-wife sues lawyers for failing to win her a superyacht in divorce case
By DL News
Published
2 min read
Soroka was awarded a staggering £453 million in 2016 following her split from Akhmedov, marking one of the most expensive divorce rulings in UK history.
A legal storm is brewing as Tatiana Soroka, ex-wife of Russian billionaire Farkhad Akhmedov, takes her former legal team to court over a £2 million lawsuit. The dispute centers on an alleged missed opportunity to secure a £200 million superyacht during what was already one of Britain’s most high-profile divorce settlements.
A Record-Breaking Divorce – But Was It Enough?
Soroka was awarded a staggering £453 million in 2016 following her split from Akhmedov, marking one of the most expensive divorce rulings in UK history. However, despite this monumental settlement, Soroka now argues that her legal team failed to maximize her claim, particularly when it came to one major asset—the luxury superyacht Luna.
The yacht, equipped with nine decks, two helipads, a swimming pool, and even a mini-submarine, was docked in Miami for an extended period in 2017. Soroka insists that her lawyers had a critical window to take legal action to seize the yacht but failed to act.
A Costly Oversight? Soroka Accuses Lawyers of Negligence
Soroka claims she instructed her lawyers, including Baroness Fiona Shackleton of Payne Hicks Beach, to pursue legal action regarding Luna. However, she alleges they either ignored her directives or mishandled the case, leading to a missed chance to acquire an asset worth hundreds of millions.
Her legal team, on the other hand, denies these accusations. They argue that Soroka never gave explicit instructions to target the yacht and that she was aware of all available legal options at the time. This discrepancy has now escalated into a legal showdown, with both sides preparing for what could be one of the most intense courtroom battles in recent years.
A High-Stakes Lawsuit: The £2 Million Legal Bill
The lawsuit, expected to cost Soroka £2 million in legal fees, is set to unfold in 2026. If successful, the case could set a precedent for how high-net-worth divorce settlements are handled and could even open the door for similar claims of legal negligence in family law disputes.
But with such sky-high legal costs, the question remains: is anyone truly winning in this battle?
Baroness Shackleton Under Scrutiny
Baroness Shackleton, a renowned divorce lawyer known for representing high-profile figures such as King Charles, Paul McCartney, and Liam Gallagher, is now defending her firm’s reputation. Dubbed the "Steel Magnolia" for her formidable courtroom presence, Shackleton faces accusations that her team failed to protect Soroka’s best interests.
With both sides standing firm, the case is shaping up to be one of the most significant legal disputes in UK family law history.
Could This Lawsuit Change Divorce Law?
If Soroka succeeds, it could force top-tier law firms to re-evaluate their handling of high-stakes divorces and may lead to an increase in legal malpractice claims in the future. The idea that lawyers could be held accountable for failing to secure key assets in divorce settlements could shift how legal professionals approach similar cases moving forward.
With the trial expected in late 2026, the legal community—and the public—will be watching closely. Will Soroka be able to recover what she believes was rightfully hers, or is this just another costly legal battle with no clear winner?
One thing is certain: the fight is far from over.
