Attorney Marina Agaltsova

Russian Family Disputes

Cross-Border Inheritance in Russia

UN-Related Legal Matters

Archive Cases

Public Law Disputes

I take on complex cases — honestly and professionally

Attorney
Marina Agaltsova

Russian Family &

Inheritance Law

UN-Related Cases

Archive Cases

Public Law

I take on complex cases — honestly and professionally

About

I am an attorney based in Moscow. My focus is on cross-border family matters, archival cases related to Soviet-era repression, international human-rights protection, and disputes with state authorities. I take on legally complex matters that require careful analysis and a strategic approach.


Previously, I was Co-Head of the Legal Department at a renowned human rights organisation that was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022.


I litigated in Russian courts and represented applicants before the European Court of Human Rights and other international bodies.


In 2019, I received the “Best in Law” award for a case on compensation for victims of a counter-terrorism operation in Dagestan — hundreds of people received compensation as a result.


In 2026, I won the international “Lawyers’ Stories” competition with a story about the Irganay case — a long-running dispute defending residents affected by the construction of the Irganay Hydroelectric Power Plant.


I also started and co-developed an ECtHR complaint generator for cases concerning detention at public assemblies. Around 3,500 applications were filed using this tool, giving me a systematic view of admissibility criteria and the Court’s approach to mass cases.


I now run an independent practice.


My practice focuses on cross-border family matters, inheritance matters involving Russian assets and heirs living abroad, archival cases related to Soviet-era repression, international human-rights protection, and disputes with state authorities.


I studied in Russia, the United States, and Hungary. I work in Russian, English, and French.


Listed among lawyers available to British nationals on the official website of the British Embassy in Russia.

About

I am an attorney based in Moscow. My focus is on cross-border family matters, archival cases related to Soviet-era repression, international human-rights protection, and disputes with state authorities. I take on legally complex matters that require careful analysis and a strategic approach.


Previously, I was Co-Head of the Legal Department at a renowned human rights organisation that was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022.


I litigated in Russian courts and represented applicants before the European Court of Human Rights and other international bodies.


In 2019, I received the “Best in Law” award for a case on compensation for victims of a counter-terrorism operation in Dagestan — hundreds of people received compensation as a result.


In 2026, I won the international “Lawyers’ Stories” competition with a story about the Irganay case — a long-running dispute defending residents affected by the construction of the Irganay Hydroelectric Power Plant.


I also started and co-developed an ECtHR complaint generator for cases concerning detention at public assemblies. Around 3,500 applications were filed using this tool, giving me a systematic view of admissibility criteria and the Court’s approach to mass cases.


I now run an independent practice.


My practice focuses on cross-border family matters, inheritance matters involving Russian assets and heirs living abroad, archival cases related to Soviet-era repression, international human-rights protection, and disputes with state authorities.


I studied in Russia, the United States, and Hungary. I work in Russian, English, and French.


Listed among lawyers available to British nationals on the official website of the British Embassy in Russia.

Cross-Border Inheritance in Russia

I assist foreign citizens and heirs living abroad with inheritance matters involving property, bank accounts and other assets in Russia.


In most cases, the inheritance process can be handled remotely through a representative under a power of attorney, without the heir travelling to Russia.

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Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Decisions in Russia

If a court or another competent authority has issued a decision abroad and that decision needs to have legal effect in Russia, it is important to determine the applicable procedure for its recognition or enforcement. The rules vary depending on the country of origin, the type of decision and the existence of an applicable international treaty.


Different procedures may apply to foreign divorces, child support judgments, child-related decisions and other family law matters. In some cases, a foreign decision may be recognised without separate court proceedings, while in others an application to a Russian court and subsequent enforcement may be required.

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Archival cases and rehabilitation of victims of political repression

I work with archival cases related to Soviet repression and military history, including situations where applicants have been receiving refusals for years.


Examples of cases:

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Challenging actions and inaction of state authorities

Complex disputes with state authorities, including large-scale and long-running proceedings.


Examples:

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Professional & Academic Activities

  • Teaching and research (RUDN University, HSE University, University of Arizona, Harvard University)
  • Expert seminars and speaking engagements on family life and human rights
  • Publications and expert commentary in leading Russian and international media, including Zakon journal, Forbes, Vedomosti, Kommersant, and The Washington Post
  • Extensive experience handling complex cases before the Russian Supreme Court, the Russian Constitutional Court, and the European Court of Human Rights
  • International professional and academic collaboration
How to understand whether your case has realistic prospects?

If your family or inheritance matter involves more than one country, it may not always be clear where and how best to proceed. During a consultation, we will assess the circumstances, explore the available legal options, and identify the next steps.