In this episode, David Allison is joined by leading attorney Katharine Maddox to compare divorce and financial claims in England and Wales with the system in the state of Virginia. 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
- Financial claims on divorce
- Maintenance claims
- Claims available to non-married couples
- Pre and post-nuptial agreements
- Key differences between England and Wales and Virginia
*Update: Effective from July 1, 2026: Viewers and listeners should be aware that the law in Virginia regarding the timeline to file for a divorce has changed since the date of recording. For more information, see Virginia House Bill 303: https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB303/text/HB303
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 matter he deals with. He supports people through challenging transitions with clear guidance, helping them move forward with stability and confidence.
David is a member of both the International Academy of Family Lawyers, where he is chair of the Gender Identity and Sexuality Committee and Secretary to the Executive Committee, and the UK & Ireland LGBT Family Law Institute.
Katharine Maddox has practiced family law for over 25 years and is a founding partner of Maddox & Gerock, P.C., a boutique domestic relations law firm located in Northern Virginia. Katharine is the president of the USA Chapter of the International Academy of Family Lawyers and she is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Katharine regularly lectures on family law issues throughout the United States as well as internationally. Further, Katharine frequently publishes articles related to Virginia family law and she is the co-author of the Virginia chapter of an international family law treatise. In addition to litigating family law matters, Katharine is a strong advocate for Alternative Dispute Resolution: She is certified by the Virginia Supreme Court as a family law mediator and she regularly engages in the collaborative process. When not practicing law, Katharine most enjoys spending time with her family and her two rescue dogs, gardening and cooking.
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