International family law advice

Family matters can get very complicated when they involve more than one country, and therefore different legal systems and jurisdictions.

Overseas assets in divorces

If your spouse or civil partner has assets overseas, disputes can arise over which country has jurisdiction to deal with your divorce.

We can help you establish whether they should be covered by a divorce settlement in the UK, and whether you have a claim to them as a result.

Children taken overseas

The situation can be even more difficult when children are involved. If you want to emigrate and take your child with you, you need the consent of the other parent. If they don’t give their consent, you’ll need to apply to a court for leave to remove the child from the jurisdiction.

Courts always put the child’s welfare first. That often means they will usually allow them to leave with the main carer if it is in the best interest of the child. The court will look at issues such as current and proposed contact arrangements with the other parent and the motivation for the move.

How we can help

If you would like to leave the UK with your child, or if your former partner is planning to do so, we can explain your options and what is likely to happen if you go to court.

To discuss your situation, please contact us.