Family Law

Fiona Shackleton, the divorce lawyer who has represented the Prince of Wales and most recently Sir Paul McCartney, has reportedly been retained by pop singer Madonna.

Madonna Ciccone Ritche, 49, and film director Guy Ritche, 39, were married in Skibo Castle in Scotland in December 2000. The couple have three children, one of whom is from Madonna's previous relationship and another was adopted by the couple from Malawi in 2006 despite media allegations that Malawian adoption laws, which require 18 months of residence for potential adoptive parents, were violated.

Madonna, whose fortune is estimated to be worth £300 million, is understood to be seeking legal advice on a possible divorce. Contrary to media reports, Newswatch has learnt that Mayfair law firm Forsters LLP is not acting for Guy Ritchie.

According to news reports, the couple did not make a prenuptial agreement.

Ms Shackleton joined Payne Hicks Beach in 2001 as a partner having previously been a partner at Farrer & Co. She is Solicitor to Princes William and Harry.

In March, Sir McCartney's ex-wife, Heather Mills was awarded £24.3 million by Justice Bennett, although she had sought £125 million.