Businessman and estranged wife wait for ruling on where to divorce

A wealthy German businessman and his estranged German wife are waiting for a judge’s ruling after becoming embroiled in a fight over where they should divorce following the breakdown of their 35-year marriage.

Jurgen Pierburg, who is in his 70s, says they should divorce in Germany and, consequently, any fight over money should be staged in a German court.

Clarissa Pierburg, who is in her 60s, says she now lives in London and wants to divorce in England.

Clarissa Pierburg leaves the Royal Courts of Justice
Clarissa Pierburg leaves the Royal Courts of Justice

Mr Justice Moor on Wednesday finished analysing evidence at a hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London.

He is expected to announce a decision in the near future.

The judge has heard that the Pierburgs had been living in Switzerland, in a chateau about an hour from Geneva, when they separated.

Mr Pierburg, an art collector, told the judge that he and his estranged wife were tied to Germany.

“Our main connection, like an umbilical cord, to Germany has never been broken,” he said.

“We were living in Switzerland but our hearts were still beating in Germany.”

Mrs Pierburg said she had moved to London about two years ago and says her centre of interests is in the UK.

“London is the city of things I am interested in,” she told the judge.

“There is nothing for me to go back to Germany for.”

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