How to Protect Your Privacy and Reputation During Divorce
By Ribet Myles Family Lawyers – Specialists in High-Value and Complex Divorce
Divorce is rarely just a legal process. For many — particularly those with significant wealth, complex financial arrangements, or a public profile — it is also a matter of privacy, reputation and control.
A question we are often asked is:
“Can I keep my divorce private?”
The answer is nuanced.
Divorce proceedings in England and Wales are not fully public, but nor are they entirely private. However, with the right strategy and early advice, it is often possible to significantly limit exposure and protect both your personal and professional reputation.
At Ribet Myles, we regularly advise clients in complex, high-value and high-profile divorce matters where discretion is essential. In many cases, privacy is lost not in court itself, but in the early stages of a dispute — before a clear strategy has been put in place.
Disclaimer: This article is for general guidance and does not substitute legal advice. Always consult a specialist family lawyer.
Are Divorce Proceedings Public in England and Wales?
Family law operates under the principle of open justice, but in a modified way.
In practice:
Divorce and financial proceedings are usually heard in private hearings
Members of the general public cannot attend
However, accredited journalists may attend hearings
Some judgments may be published, sometimes anonymised
This means that while divorce is not fully public, there remains a real risk of sensitive financial or personal information entering the public domain, particularly in contested cases.
Why Privacy Matters More for High-Net-Worth and Public Figures
For some, privacy is a preference. For others, it is critical.
In our experience, clients most concerned with discretion often include:
Business owners and entrepreneurs, where publicity may affect shareholder confidence or commercial relationships
Bankers and financial professionals, where reputational issues may have regulatory or career implications
Musicians, actors, athletes and public figures, who may attract media attention
Individuals with complex financial structures, including trusts, offshore assets and multi-jurisdictional interests
In these cases, divorce is not simply about reaching a settlement — it is about controlling risk, protecting confidentiality and avoiding unnecessary exposure.
Where Privacy Is Most at Risk During Divorce
Understanding where privacy can be lost is the first step in protecting it.
Court Proceedings
Although hearings are private, the presence of journalists and the possibility of published judgments can lead to exposure.
Financial Disclosure
The law requires full and frank disclosure of financial information, which may include:
Business interests
Property portfolios
Investments and pensions
Trust arrangements
For high-net-worth individuals, this can involve particularly sensitive material.
Media Interest
Where one or both parties are in the public eye, disputes — particularly contentious ones — can attract press attention.
Digital Evidence
Emails, messages and financial documents are often disclosed and scrutinised as part of proceedings.
A Step-by-Step Approach to Keeping Your Divorce Private
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every case is different. However, in our experience, a structured approach can make a significant difference.
Step 1: Take Advice Early
The earlier you seek advice, the more control you retain.
Early planning allows for:
Strategic decisions about process
Careful management of communication
Avoidance of unnecessary escalation
Once positions harden or proceedings begin, options narrow.
Step 2: Avoid Court Where Possible
Court proceedings carry the greatest risk of exposure.
Where appropriate, resolving matters outside court:
Maintains confidentiality
Reduces public scrutiny
Allows for more controlled outcomes
Step 3: Use Mediation as a Private Framework
Mediation provides a confidential environment to resolve disputes.
Discussions are private and without prejudice
There is no public record
It encourages constructive, solution-focused outcomes
Step 4: Consider Arbitration for Binding Privacy
For higher-value or complex disputes, arbitration is often the preferred route.
Entirely private
Legally binding outcome
Faster and more flexible than court
This is particularly effective in high-net-worth cases where discretion is paramount.
Step 5: Use Private Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR)
A private FDR is one of the most effective but underused tools.
A confidential, structured negotiation
Led by an experienced barrister or retired judge
Designed to achieve settlement quickly
This can significantly reduce both time and exposure.
Step 6: Adopt a Strategic Negotiation Approach
In many cases, the most effective solution is a carefully managed negotiation process behind the scenes.
The focus is on:
Maintaining control
Avoiding escalation
Protecting long-term interests
How High-Profile Individuals Manage Divorce Privately
In practice, those most successful at maintaining privacy tend to:
Take advice early, before matters escalate
Avoid unnecessary litigation
Use private processes such as arbitration or private FDR
Maintain discipline in communication — both personal and professional
A common thread is control — both of the legal process and the narrative surrounding it.
The Biggest Mistake: Losing Control Too Late
One of the most common issues we see is that privacy is lost before clients realise it is at risk.
This often happens when:
Disputes escalate quickly
Proceedings are issued without a clear strategy
Communication becomes reactive rather than considered
By the time advice is sought, options may already be limited.
The earlier the approach is structured, the greater the ability to protect privacy.What Can Be Done If Crypto Is Suspected?
Where there are concerns about non-disclosure, further steps may include:
Reviewing bank statements for transfers to exchanges
Examining email records for exchange confirmations
Requesting formal disclosure of wallet addresses
In appropriate cases, instructing forensic accountants with blockchain expertise
In complex or higher-value cases, specialist forensic experts can analyse transaction histories and identify patterns consistent with ownership or control.
Any investigation must be proportionate to the likely value involved. However, digital assets are not beyond scrutiny, and the court has wide powers to address non-disclosure where appropriate.
Managing Your Reputation During Divorce
For many clients, reputation is as important as legal outcome.
This may involve:
Careful handling of communications within a business or organisation
Avoiding unnecessary disclosure or escalation
Exercising discipline around social media and digital communication
Protecting children and family life from wider exposure
For those in public-facing roles, a measured and strategic approach is essential.
What Happens If Your Case Goes to Court?
If court proceedings cannot be avoided, steps can still be taken to manage risk:
Applications may be made to restrict reporting
Judgments can sometimes be anonymised
Hearings remain private from the general public
However, once matters reach court, control is reduced — which is why early planning is so important.
Common Mistakes That Can Undermine Privacy
Posting or discussing matters on social media
Escalating disputes unnecessarily
Delaying legal advice
Failing to address financial issues early
Privacy is best protected through proactive, not reactive, decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Not fully. Hearings are usually private, but journalists may attend and some judgments may be published.
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Yes, accredited journalists can attend certain family court hearings.
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Yes, particularly where matters are resolved outside court using private processes such as mediation or arbitration.
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Yes. Mediation is private and discussions are not disclosed publicly.
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Yes. Arbitration is entirely private and produces a binding outcome.
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Potentially, particularly if proceedings go to court and judgments are published.
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This depends on the circumstances, but legal remedies may be available in certain cases.
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A combination of early advice, negotiated settlement, and private dispute resolution methods is typically the most effective approach.
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Typically by avoiding court proceedings, using arbitration or mediation, and taking early strategic legal advice.
Why Strategic, Discreet Advice Makes the Difference
Every divorce is different. There is no single solution — only the right strategy for your circumstances.
For those concerned about privacy and reputation, the key is not just legal knowledge, but judgment, experience and discretion.
At Ribet Myles, we advise individuals and families in complex, high-value and often sensitive situations, where careful handling is essential. Our approach is measured, strategic and focused on protecting both your position and your privacy.
Speak to Us in Confidence
If you are considering divorce and want to understand how to protect your privacy, reputation and financial position, we would be happy to speak with you.
Call Ribet Myles on 020 7242 6000 for a confidential conversation.