Frances Goldsmith

Practice Areas

Frances Goldsmith is recognized for her solution based approach and experience in juggling mutli-jurisdiction divorce cases, whether they involve HNW division of assets or complex child matters, including those where mental health or addiction are at play. With a BA in Economics and a background in corporate law, Frances is apt to advise clients on their more complex financial matters and how this plays out in asset division.

While emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and amicable approach to best serve client's needs, she regularly litigates throughout France when an amicable solution is not possible.

Admitted to the Paris Bar, she extensive experience and in litigation before the French courts in private client matters and general commercial and civil litigation. As a Franco-American, she has developed valued experience of French international private law and often advises clients on the legal consequences of their case in France.

In 2022 Frances received the distinction “Up and Coming” by Chambers High Net Worth : “Her advice is always spot-on and she is very detailed in her approach” and “I am always comfortable referring matters to her; she is very responsive and classy to deal with.”

Previously an associate in the litigation and private client departments of a large corporate law firm, she decided in 2014 to leave to help found the Libra Avocats firm, where she is now a Partner.

She has robust experience in resolving complex financial cases, whether in the context of litigation, negotiations or in establishing pre and post-nuptial agreements that present an international element. Frances is motivated by helping her clients move on to the next stage of their lives, whether the crisis confronted is a separation or caused by an inheritance dispute. Her experience—particularly on important transnational litigation cases—has allowed her to develop an expertise in international family and estate law.

Frances also works with institutional clients in commercial litigation and international arbitration.

In addition to pleading before French courts to defend her clients’ rights, Frances has been personally appointed an expert before foreign courts in litigation relating to matrimonial regimes and complex issues of dividing property and estate disputes.

Professional Memberships

International Academy of Family Lawyers

ABA Section of International Law (past section president)

Publications

- Navigating Diplomatic Immunities in Family Law: Finding an Appropriate Forum for Families Covered by Diplomatic Immunity, AAML Journal 2024 https://www.aaml.org/wp-content/uploads/02_MAT_36_2_Article-5_Navigating-Diplomatic.pdf

- Legal Security in International estate settlements, https://www.dalloz.fr/documentation/Document?ctxt=0_YSR0MD04My40IHNlY3VyaXTDqSBqdXJpZGlxdWXCp3gkc2Y9c2ltcGxlLXNlYXJjaA%3D%3D&ctxtl=0_cyRwYWdlTnVtPTHCp3MkdHJpZGF0ZT1GYWxzZcKncyRzb3J0PSNkZWZhdWx0X0Rlc2PCp3Mkc2xOYlBhZz0yMMKncyRpc2Fibz1UcnVlwqdzJHBhZ2luZz1UcnVlwqdzJG9uZ2xldD3Cp3MkZnJlZXNjb3BlPUZhbHNlwqdzJHdvSVM9RmFsc2XCp3Mkd29TUENIPUZhbHNlwqdzJGZsb3dNb2RlPUZhbHNlwqdzJGJxPcKncyRzZWFyY2hMYWJlbD3Cp3Mkc2VhcmNoQ2xhc3M9&id=AJFAM%2FCHRON%2F2023%2F0456

- The consequences of civil partnership laws on the French PACS and other overseas relationships (familylaw.co.uk) 2024, https://www.familylaw.co.uk/news_and_comment/the-consequences-of-civil-partnership-laws-on-the-french-pacs-other-overseas-relationships

- Battling for pension rights on a different front – uncertainty over the fate of pension rights in the context of an international divorce, IFL 2020