A new report has claimed Isla Fisher contacted the UK’s most fearsome divorce lawyer, two years before she announced her split from Sacha Baron Cohen.
The couple shared the news of their separation last week, after 13 years of marriage.
The actors shared a photo of them both dressed in tennis gear, alongside the statement: “After a long tennis match lasting over twenty years, we are finally putting our racquets down.”
“In 2023 we jointly filed to end our marriage. We have always prioritized our privacy, and have been quietly working through this change.”
“We forever share in our devotion and love for our children. We sincerely appreciate your respecting our family’s wish for privacy.”
The Sun has since reported that Isla quietly contacted £550-an-hour Fiona Shackleton back in 2022.
Baroness Shackleton has represented a host of major celebrities in their divorce proceedings – including Prince Charles in his divorce from Princess Diana, and Sir Paul McCartney’s £24million split from Heather Mills.
A source said: “Isla has known for some time the marriage was over, and after some difficult conversations with Sacha, made the decision to consult a divorce lawyer.
“This was back in early summer, 2022. Fiona Shackleton was recommended by mutual contacts, and Isla was put in touch with an associate at the office.
“It was also suggested she seek out a lawyer in the US, where the couple have a home.
“Fiona is an incredible lawyer, and utterly fearsome in both reputation and ability. It was suggested they keep things as amicably as possible for the sake of the children.
“However, with Fiona on board, no stone will be left unturned if things did turn nasty — which neither of them want.”
It’s understood Sacha, 52, has been in contact with celebrity divorce lawyer Laura Wasser in the US.
She famously represented Johnny Depp in his nasty divorce from Amber Heard.
The couple, who share three children together, announced their split just days after Rebel Wilson made some shocking claims against Sacha in her new memoir, Rebel Rising.
In the book, the actress accused her former co-star of “humiliating and degrading” her on the set of their 2016 film Grimsby.
While Sacha has strenuously denied her claims against him, the timing of him and Isla’s split announcement has reportedly raised eyebrows.
One insider said: “You do have to wonder whether Wilson’s memoir and the timing of the couple’s split announcement are more than a coincidence.”
“Despite being determined to keep their break-up secret for months, suddenly Sacha’s reputation is being questioned and Isla is well known as a strong supporter of women’s rights. So you do have to wonder.”
They continued: “Sacha and Isla have always presented themselves as a kooky kind of brand. Indeed, few people originally expected them to get together, or stay together.”
“Isla is just lovely. She has a reputation as a lovely, fun-loving woman. For Sacha, she’s been the perfect antidote to his reputation of a sometimes acid-tongued comedian. It’s fair to say that he needed her for his career more than she needed him.”
According to another report over the weekend, Isla and Sacha also disagreed over their living arrangements – as Sacha was keen to relocate to his native UK, while Isla wanted to remain in Perth or Los Angeles.
