Spotlight on Expertise: James Maguire on IAFL Fellowship

We’re thrilled to feature an exclusive interview with James Maguire, Managing Director of Maguire Family Law, a leading firm specialising in divorce and family matters in Cheshire, Manchester, and London. James, with over 30 years of experience as a solicitor, is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL)—a prestigious recognition that underscores his deep knowledge in handling complex, cross-border family disputes.

In this Q&A, James shares insights into his fellowship and how it directly benefits clients, particularly those navigating international matrimonial challenges.

Could you explain what the IAFL is and how you achieved this distinction?

It’s an honour to be part of such a respected organisation. The IAFL is a global network of leading family lawyers dedicated to excellence in international family law practice. Founded in 1986, it brings together professionals from over 60 countries who are vetted through a rigorous peer-review process for their expertise, integrity, and contributions to the field.

To become a Fellow, I underwent an extensive nomination and evaluation, drawing on my 30+ years specialising in family law, including passing the California Bar Exam in 2008 and handling numerous high-net-worth international cases. It’s not just about qualifications; it’s about demonstrating a commitment to advancing family law on a worldwide stage.

How does your IAFL fellowship benefit clients at Maguire Family Law in general?

The fellowship opens doors to invaluable resources and collaborations that directly enhance our service. At Maguire Family Law, we’re a boutique firm focused on high-net-worth divorces, children matters, and financial settlements. Being an IAFL Fellow means I have access to a vast international directory of top-tier lawyers, cutting-edge research, and ongoing education on global trends.

This translates to more efficient, informed advice for our clients—whether it’s negotiating settlements or representing them in court. Clients benefit from our ability to anticipate issues, reduce delays, and achieve better outcomes, all while maintaining the personalised, empathetic approach our firm is known for.

Many of your clients deal with international elements in their matrimonial cases. Can you elaborate on how the fellowship specifically supports those situations?

Absolutely—international family law is one of our core strengths, and the IAFL fellowship amplifies that. For clients with cross-border issues, such as one spouse living abroad or assets in multiple countries, we can seamlessly coordinate with IAFL colleagues worldwide.

This network ensures we’re not just applying UK law but also navigating foreign jurisdictions effectively. For instance, we’ve assisted with cases involving embassies and consulates, leveraging my position on panels like the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the US Embassy. Clients get faster resolutions because we can consult experts in real-time, avoiding costly mistakes like jurisdictional conflicts.

What types of international family cases does IAFL help with?

We handle a wide range, but the fellowship shines in complex scenarios like international divorces, where determining the right court (e.g. under Brussels II or other treaties) is key. Other common cases include child relocation or abduction under the Hague Convention, enforcement of foreign financial orders, and prenuptial agreements with international assets.

We’ve also dealt with disputes involving expatriates or high-net-worth individuals with global portfolios. In these, our IAFL connections provide insights into local laws—say, property division in the US versus the UK—which can make or break a case.

Finally, why does this level of expertise matter so much for clients facing cross-border issues in family law?

Cross-border family matters are fraught with pitfalls: differing laws on custody, maintenance, or asset division can lead to unfair outcomes or prolonged litigation. Without specialised knowledge, clients risk orders that aren’t enforceable abroad or overlooking tax implications in multiple countries.

My IAFL fellowship ensures we’re proactive, using international conventions and networks to protect clients’ interests. Ultimately, it matters because family law is about people’s lives—children, homes, futures. Expertise like this minimises stress, safeguards rights, and delivers justice efficiently, especially in our interconnected world.

James Maguire’s fellowship exemplifies Maguire Family Law’s commitment to world-class service. If you’re facing family law challenges with an international twist, reach out to our team for expert guidance.