A prominent London lawyer is embroiled in a complex legal battle, facing potential extradition to Croatia and a prison sentence of up to three years. Marc Brittain, a Chancery law specialist, stands accused of domestic abuse, including an alleged attempt to strangle his ex-wife, Tamara Katavic. The charges stem from a contentious divorce and a financial dispute involving approximately £85,000. Mr. Brittain vehemently denies the allegations, branding his former wife a “liar” and a “psychopath” as he seeks to avoid extradition to face criminal proceedings in Croatia.

Bitter Divorce and Financial Dispute

The marriage between Mr. Brittain, 65, and Ms. Katavic, which lasted 15 years and produced one son, ended in 2021 following a significant argument over finances. The couple, who divided their time between England and Ms. Katavic’s native Croatia, have since engaged in extensive legal disputes in both countries. The core of the financial disagreement revolves around £85,000 that Mr. Brittain claims Ms. Katavic “dishonestly appropriated” from his bank account. This sum reportedly included a Covid-19 Bounce Back loan and rental income from a property in Camden.

Conversely, Ms. Katavic has countered with her own claims, alleging that Mr. Brittain owes her £60,000 in maintenance payments. The divorce was finalized in 2024, but the legal fallout continues, with both parties making serious accusations against each other.

Allegations of Domestic Abuse and Extradition Bid

The most serious charge against Mr. Brittain is the accusation of domestic abuse, specifically that he attempted to strangle Ms. Katavic. This allegation has led to criminal charges in Croatia, prompting Mr. Brittain’s fight against extradition. He appeared in the High Court in London, representing himself, to contest the extradition proceedings and argue his case.

During a civil court hearing, Mr. Brittain described their relationship as chaotic, marked by separations and police interventions. He detailed the final split in December 2021, stating he returned home in Croatia to find his bank account emptied. He admitted to being angry and making threats to cut up clothes but insisted he never physically assaulted Ms. Katavic. He recounted his arrest on December 3, 2021, on the strangulation charge, occurring on the same day he discovered the missing funds from his account.

Mr. Brittain presented his defense by citing a doctor’s report, which he claimed showed no signs of injury on Ms. Katavic following her hospital visit with police. He was detained for several days and had his passport confiscated for seven months. He further alleged that his ex-wife was leading a “double life,” involved with other men and operating a secret concierge business.

Mr. Brittain’s Defense and Counter-Allegations

In his High Court appearances, Mr. Brittain has strongly refuted all accusations of domestic violence. He stated that he has never raised his voice at Ms. Katavic and that she cannot produce any witnesses to corroborate her claims. He sought disclosure of Ms. Katavic’s bank statements, believing they would prove she lied about how she spent the £85,000. He argued that these statements would support his assertion that she is a “psychopath,” as suggested by a Croatian psychologist’s report he referenced.

This psychologist’s assessment, according to Mr. Brittain, indicated Ms. Katavic was “incapable of telling the difference between truth and a lie” and described her as a “mild psychopath.” He contended that proving fraud on her part would be crucial for his defense in both the extradition and Croatian criminal proceedings. Mr. Brittain expressed his distress at the prospect of imprisonment for up to three years for acts he claims he did not commit, accusing Ms. Katavic of manipulating Croatian authorities.

Ms. Katavic’s Rebuttal

Appearing via video link from Croatia, Ms. Katavic denied all of Mr. Brittain’s counter-allegations. She refuted claims of living a double life or fabricating the attack. She firmly stated, “He tried to strangle me. He was violent to me, throwing the clothes everywhere, telling me he would put the house on fire.”

Ms. Katavic asserted that Mr. Brittain had always maintained control over their finances. She explained that any money transferred to her account was at his request and used for family expenses or repaid. She argued there was no evidence that Mr. Brittain was unaware of these financial arrangements. She also highlighted her role as a homemaker during the marriage, unable to work despite her studies in England, and her reliance on rental income. She pointed out that the family home in Chiswick and the family car were registered solely in Mr. Brittain’s name, while her two investment properties’ rental income was used for family needs due to his frugality.

She accused Mr. Brittain of “coercive and controlling conduct” and reiterated her claim for £60,000 in maintenance. Ms. Katavic requested that Mr. Brittain’s civil claim for the £85,000 be stayed pending the conclusion of their divorce proceedings.

Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Fight

In the High Court, Mr. Justice Morris refused Mr. Brittain’s application for unredacted bank statements and stayed his claim to the £85,000, allowing the family court proceedings to conclude first. The judge acknowledged the severity of the allegations made by both parties, noting that “relations between the two are somewhat heated.”

Mr. Brittain’s extradition case remains active, with a recent hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court revealing he is suffering from a serious heart condition. Further hearings are scheduled to address the extradition request. The legal saga underscores the intense personal and financial stakes involved in the dissolution of their marriage, with Mr. Brittain’s liberty hanging in the balance.

Conclusion

The case of Marc Brittain highlights a deeply acrimonious divorce battle that has spilled into criminal accusations and extradition proceedings. As Mr. Brittain fights to remain in London and avoid prison in Croatia, the courts continue to untangle the complex web of financial claims and domestic abuse allegations. His ongoing extradition hearing, coupled with his health concerns, adds further layers of urgency to this protracted legal dispute.