Sonny is a Partner and Head of the Singapore office of Expatriate Law where he acts for British expatriates and conducts their family proceedings through the English courts. Sonny is ranked in Chambers and Partners Family/Matrimonial: High Net worth, he is a recommended lawyer in the Spears Family Law Index and was a finalist in the category of International Family Lawyer of the Year at the 2022 Family Law Awards. Sonny provides English family law advice to a range of British expatriate and international families. He handles the following matters: high net worth divorces, jurisdiction – domicile of origin and the acquisition or loss of a domicile of choice, choice of forum, financial provision after overseas divorce, recognition of foreign marriages and divorces, cross-border enforcement of financial orders, negotiating and drafting multiple jurisdiction prenuptial postnuptial and separation agreements, the relocation of children across international borders. Sonny is a solutions-driven negotiator and is keen to help his clients navigate the divorce process in a discreet, cost-effective and constructive manner. However, if reasonable agreement cannot be achieved, Sonny is able to draw on 16 years of litigation experience to achieve excellent outcomes for his clients. Sonny joined Expatriate Law in 2014 when he was seconded to work within Al Rowaad Advocates in Dubai. During his two years in Dubai, Sonny worked closely with local UAE lawyers and advocates and advised British expats in respect of the interaction between English law and UAE law. Before joining Expatriate Law, Sonny trained and practised exclusively in well regarded central London law firms where he consistently achieved outstanding results. Although based in central London throughout the earlier years of his career, Sonny was instructed by clients remotely from locations around the world. It was Sonny’s record of success in contested jurisdiction cases and his interest in cross-border family law which led to him to joining Expatriate Law. Sonny qualified to practice as a solicitor in England & Wales in 2006.
2 Eaton Gate, London, SW1W 9BJ
Licensed for 18 years
Family Law
From the start of my case Sonny managed it professionally, honestly and accurately. I would highly recommend Sonny and Hilary to anyone who needs advise or representation in regards to a divorce.
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I was lucky to find Expatriate Law when dealing with a divorce while living overseas, but wanting to use the English legal system. I worked with Sonny Patel who guided and supported me through the process in a clear and smooth manner.
Sonny continues to guide me through child custody matters, and his advice, network of additional experts and impartial perspective has been invaluable to me and my family in this tough time.
Most important of all is the kind and human approach that Sonny brings to the table. It has made all the difference in my situation, and leads me to recommend Sonny and Expatriate Law to anyone that needs family law advice.
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I was lucky to find Expatriate Law when dealing with a divorce while living overseas, but wanting to use the English legal system. I worked with Sonny Patel who guided and supported me through the process.
While Im sure there are many Lawyers that could have helped me, Sonny and his team distinguished themselves by providing fair, balanced and clear advice with a focus on the human aspects of this stressful and upsetting life change.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Sonny and Expatriate Law firm to anyone that needs Family Law advice in the UK or overseas.
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Sonny is an absolute pleasure to deal with, is exceptionally efficient, professional and extremely dedicated to his work yet at the same treats you with patience, kindness and compassion always, however stressful the situation. I would highly recommend Sonny to anyone who needs a family law lawyer. Sonny always laid out for me several paths on how I go forward with his support and given me many options with cost clearly shown upfront. Sonny went above and beyond what I would have expected to make my voice heard during the hearing, he suggested an excellent barrister, who was equally as supportive and meticulous. I cannot thank him enough for his generosity. I am continuously grateful for his constant hard work and diligence which always pays off. I would highly recommend Sonny and Expatriate for any family law matters.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Sonny is an absolute pleasure to deal with, is exceptionally efficient, professional and extremely dedicated to his work yet at the same treats you with patience, kindness and compassion always, however stressful the situation. I would highly recommend Sonny to anyone who needs a family law lawyer. Sonny always laid out for me several paths on how I go forward with his support and given me many options with cost clearly shown upfront. Sonny went above and beyond what I would have expected to make my voice heard during the hearing, he suggested an excellent barrister, who was equally as supportive and meticulous. I cannot thank him enough for his generosity. I am continuously grateful for his constant hard work and diligence which always pays off. I would highly recommend Sonny and Expatriate Law for any family law matters.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Sonny is a Partner and Head of the Singapore office of Expatriate Law where he acts for British expatriates and conducts their family proceedings through the English courts. Sonny is ranked in Chambers and Partners Family/Matrimonial: High Net worth, he is a recommended lawyer in the Spears Family Law Index and was a finalist in the category of International Family Lawyer of the Year at the 2022 Family Law Awards. Sonny provides English family law advice to a range of British expatriate and international families. He handles the following matters: high net worth divorces, jurisdiction – domicile of origin and the acquisition or loss of a domicile of choice, choice of forum, financial provision after overseas divorce, recognition of foreign marriages and divorces, cross-border enforcement of financial orders, negotiating and drafting multiple jurisdiction prenuptial postnuptial and separation agreements, the relocation of children across international borders. Sonny is a solutions-driven negotiator and is keen to help his clients navigate the divorce process in a discreet, cost-effective and constructive manner. However, if reasonable agreement cannot be achieved, Sonny is able to draw on 16 years of litigation experience to achieve excellent outcomes for his clients. Sonny joined Expatriate Law in 2014 when he was seconded to work within Al Rowaad Advocates in Dubai. During his two years in Dubai, Sonny worked closely with local UAE lawyers and advocates and advised British expats in respect of the interaction between English law and UAE law. Before joining Expatriate Law, Sonny trained and practised exclusively in well regarded central London law firms where he consistently achieved outstanding results. Although based in central London throughout the earlier years of his career, Sonny was instructed by clients remotely from locations around the world. It was Sonny’s record of success in contested jurisdiction cases and his interest in cross-border family law which led to him to joining Expatriate Law. Sonny qualified to practice as a solicitor in England & Wales in 2006.
Languages Spoken: English
United Kingdom
Currently Registered
15/09/06
31/10/23
High Net Worth 2023: Family/Matrimonial: High Net Worth
Chambers & Partners
2023
Recommended
Spear's 500 Family Law Index
2023
Recommended
Spear's 500 Family Law Index
2022
Partner
Expatriate Law Limited
?-present
Sonny truly had my best interests at heart
Sonny really helped ease the pressure of what had already been very difficult and daunting time. I was at a loss as to how to proceed until I worked though it all with Sonny.
He was excellent at explaining and roadmapping the process ahead. He listens and offers fair and honest advice, outlining the possible strategies available and probable outcomes. He empowered me to make genuinely informed decisions.
He is very down to earth and approachable and I always knew that he truly had my best interests at heart.
I can see now, that in different hands, my situation could have very easily escalated and spiralled completely out of control, but Sonny’s balanced and objective analysis kept the situation contained.
I can not thank Sonny enough for all his dedication and hard work.
Lawyer named in this review: Sonny Patel
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Sonny Patel - 10/10
I had a great experience with Sonny. A “not so complicated case” overseas case, which ended up taking a few twists and turns. Always felt in safe hands with Sonny and the team. I appreciated how Sonny was able to navigate sensitive issues and his advice was timely, and always practical. Thank you for all your help (and your calming influence!)
Lawyer named in this review: Sonny Patel
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Client Care Excellence
I have dealt with many solicitors over the years following a toxic divorce, multiple Court sessions since on related matters and I can say that Sonny and the team were a send.
Once and for all, someone was able to effectively deal with the issues at hand from SEA, within the UK legal framework, in a timely and cost effective manner.
What made the difference? Clarity of objective, a clear recommendation, approach and focused execution. Time is money and Sonny does not exploit this vulnerability with clients that many having gone through a divorce will appreciate.
He leverages his experience and shares succinct, thought through guidance that imbues confidence and trust. He leads the process and is proactive rather than needing to be nudged. He respects his time and yours and therefore, produces a quality outcome.
Worth every penny and he is highly recommended.
Lawyer named in this review: Sonny Patel
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Divorcing outside the UK
Sonny helped me through a very challenging divorce while living in China. It was an unexpected experience to move to China to support my now ex-husband’s career and find myself abandoned a few months later. It was a very emotional time for me and I was not an easy client at times. However, both Sonny and Ambar showed me support and empathy. Their professionalism and commitment to get me the outcome I duly deserved is credit to their expertise. I am truly grateful to have them on my side, thank you Sonny and Ambar for all your hard work and dedication!
Lawyer named in this review: Sonny Patel
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Outstanding service throughout
Sonny has been outstanding throughout a lengthy though amicable divorce process fully online, whilst I have been based in Vietnam, my ex-wife in China, and Sonny in Singapore, and during which CoVid impacted significantly too. Clear advice throughout, with excellent administrative back up from Hilary and Ambar, guided me and my ex towards a satisfactory conclusion. I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Expatriate Law and Sonny.
Lawyer named in this review: Sonny Patel
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Outstanding strategic thinking, worked hard to find amicable solution
I had the privilege of working with Sonny and Ambar from Expatriate Law for some recent family legal matters. I couldn't recommend them more!
From the very beginning, Sonny demonstrated a deep understanding of my situation. He has a genuine empathetic approach and immediately put me at ease during what was a challenging time for me. He took the time to listen attentively to my concerns and provided clear explanations about the legal process and situation which greatly reduced the stress I was feeling.
What I valued most about the support is that Sonny and team are not only highly skilled around UK family law but able to bring an informed perspective of Singapore too. They were excellent and clear in communications, and they kept me informed at every step of the way, promptly returning emails, and jumping on zoom sessions when appropriate. This helped me stay informed and empowered throughout the case.
What truly set Sonny apart is his expertise and the way he approached my case. He brought to the table a unique ability to strategize the best course of action for my situation which was remarkable. They approached each detail with precision, ensuring that no stone was left unturned.
What set them apart too was how they approached the hostile situation that I was facing. He worked hard to find an amicable solution which I wanted to achieve rather than pursuing an adversarial and ever escalating approach whilst always fully protecting my position.
Thanks to Sonny’s dedication and hard work, I achieved a favourable outcome that exceeded my expectations. Their professionalism, integrity, and unwavering support were invaluable during this process.
I wholeheartedly recommend Sonny to anyone in need of a family lawyer. He blends real international legal expertise but also is a compassionate guide who genuinely cares about his clients.
Thank you, Sonny, and Ambar, for your exceptional service and for being a true ally during a challenging time.
Lawyer named in this review: Sonny Patel
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An exceptionally compassionate and competent solicitor
My daughter was living in Texas, U.S.A when her husband presented her with a divorce petition one Saturday. She was distraught. As a retired family solicitor, I knew that we would need specialist lawyers and over the weekend I researched international Family Law firms
We contacted Expatriate Law early on Monday morning and were extremely fortunate immediately to be put in touch with Sonny Patel. By the end of the day my son-in-law had been served with an expedited English petition issued in London. I was impressed!
From day one, I knew we were in safe hands although I was a little concerned when we learned that Sonny was actually based in Singapore and just happened to be in London that day. However, the time differences, between my daughter in the USA, me in England and Sonny in Singapore, proved to be no obstacle to Sonny’s highly efficient, sensitive, intelligent and practical conduct of the case.
There were cross petitions in two different countries and four sets of lawyers. The financial situation was complicated by a reluctance on the part of the husband to disclose the value of matrimonial assets that included several properties in England and the USA, a business, Crypto currency and a Trust. Furthermore, a child issue appeared at times to be insoluble.
Throughout the case Sonny was calm and reassuring. He regularly enumerated and updated progress by email, explaining clearly what the next steps would be. He was easily contactable despite the time differences involved.
I practised Family Law for 25 years and can honestly say that Sonny is the most efficient and cost-effective lawyer I have encountered. He particularly impressed me in the way he was usually one step ahead, anticipating the likely response from the other party’s solicitor. My daughter's case was concluded within six months. Sonny bore proportionality in mind throughout.
He assimilated the particulars of the case as well as the law of the opposing jurisdiction with ease. He was always courteous and understanding and gave due consideration to all suggestions. It was a pleasure to work with Sonny and I am so grateful that my daughter had the best advice possible during a very traumatic period in her life.
I have recommended Sonny to several people who have had family related problems and they have all been extremely satisfied with his approach and advice as well as remarking what a delightful person he is.
Lawyer named in this review: Sonny Patel
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Expatriate Law Singapore
Sonny and Ambar were very very good in getting my recent divorce done with limited input from myself. I am in Thailand and my ex wife in the UK. All was amicable between us and still is, but Sonny made sure that I got what was my rights in the UK even being so far away. Thank you Sonny and Ambar.
Lawyer named in this review: Sonny Patel
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British Divorce in Singapore
I can wholeheartedly recommend Sonny. He provided invaluable insight and guidance in terms of navigating my divorce. Based in Singapore, the whole international element was an additional minefield and Sonny helped clarify this significantly. More than anything, Sonny helped take the sting out of an emotionally charged situation and enable me to see this as a negotiation. He helped change my mindset and I'm certain the process was quicker and less traumatic as a result of his counsel.
Lawyer named in this review: Sonny Patel
A representative from Expatriate Law responded to this review on 10 May, 2023
Thank you so much for your very kind review. Our team work so hard and this recognition is really appreciated. I wish you the very best for the future. Kind regards, Alexandra
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Exceptionally Thorough and Committed
Sonny represented me in protracted divorce and financial proceedings (issued in the UK whilst resident in UAE). Sonny is experienced, strategic, meticulous in his approach, concise in his advice and the safe pair of hands you need and want going through litigation. His ability is matched by his genuine care and concern for his clients. He will navigate a difficult path to achieve your desired outcome. I cannot praise and recommend Sonny enough.
Lawyer named in this review: Sonny Patel
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