Our Managing Partner Tim Maltin speaks on managing reputation during high net worth divorce proceedings

Our Managing Partner Tim Maltin joined a panel on managing reputation and privacy during divorce proceedings at the HNW Divorce Litigation Flagship conference.

Tim outlined how the principle of open justice, now firmly embedded in the family courts, has changed the reputational landscape for divorcing couples. He highlighted that even in cases that do not involve global celebrities, the combination of wealth, high stakes and digital scrutiny means that information spreads rapidly and needs careful management.

Tim emphasised the importance of understanding the range of stakeholders who can shape a case narrative – from studios and business partners to fan bases and online communities – and explained why “not feeding the trolls” is often the safest approach. Instead, he advocated for targeted engagement with trusted journalists, using background briefings and carefully timed set pieces in reputable international publications to anchor the narrative before it takes on a life of its own online. Reputation management is an essential consideration in any divorce, even when non-contentious. Media interest and visibility routinely poses a risk to even the most amicable of divorces.

He also discussed the increasing role of investigators and forensic evidence in modern divorce disputes. In high net worth cases, even seemingly negative material such as a tax bill can be reframed to show responsible financial management. Tim noted how shaping such evidence for both the courtroom and the public domain can influence the trajectory of proceedings.

Another theme of the session was the prevalence of hacking and data theft in contentious divorces and high-stakes litigation generally. Tim described cases where hacked material had been deployed against clients, and how, with the right strategy, allegations of wrongdoing can sometimes be turned around to the client’s advantage. He stressed the importance of mapping information flows, identifying sources of leaks and being prepared to challenge unlawful information-gathering directly.

Turning to litigation strategy, Tim explained why teams must be ready with a fully developed proactive communications plan, even if the intention is to only deploy that plan reactively. Journalists may attend only the opening minutes of a hearing, which means the strongest press points need to appear at the top of pleadings rather than concluding with these. He also stressed the importance of understanding the key pinch points in the litigation timeline – case launch, first day of hearing, judgment and any appeals – and planning communications around them.

On media engagement, Tim emphasised that reputable publications will always offer a right of reply. Used correctly, this window allows practitioners to slow down coverage, insist on written questions, agree joint statements with lawyers and remove the sting from hostile reporting. Even after publication, there are opportunities to correct headlines or insert rebuttal paragraphs to correct the narrative.

Tim also spoke about the use of PR to protect children, describing a case where strategic press coverage in the UK and overseas directly led to the recovery of an abducted child. He noted that communications strategy is often as much about keeping clients out of the press as shaping coverage when publicity is required.

The session concluded with a discussion on global communications strategy, from securing coverage in specific jurisdictions for enforcement or asset tracing, to using joint set-piece interviews at the conclusion of a case to quell speculation and reassure both parties during negotiations that neither will be maligned in future media reporting. Tim highlighted that agreements on forward-looking communications can significantly calm tensions and help clients feel protected during tense settlement discussions.

The discussion also looked at Non Court Dispute Resolution, including the important role that communications advice can play there.

Speaking alongside Tim on the panel were Laura Heaton, barrister at 29 Bedford Row, Claire Yorke, partner at Mishcon de Reya, and Katie Longmate, partner at Russell-Cooke.

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