Issues Arising From International Divorces or Child Custody Matters

International Child Custody/Contact Disputes

It is vital that you obtain legal advice as soon as possible where a child is concerned and, even more so, when there are jurisdictional or cross-border issues. This is because it is important to identify which country has jurisdiction or, in other words, has the power to make decisions about your child.

In addition, it is important to know whether the country in question is a member of the Hague Convention and, if it is not, and there is a risk that the child may be removed to that country, urgent legal action should be pursued to ensure your child is not abducted or put at risk.

Our family lawyers are members of Reunite.org, the international child abduction centre, and have worked on many abduction, inherent jurisdiction, wardship and cross-border children disputes. We can advise on the appropriate action to be taken to keep your child safe and how to go about resolving disputes before they escalate.

If you are considering relocation abroad with your child, it is advisable to first take legal advice than risk becoming embroiled in an abduction case. Our family lawyers have experience of all forms of relocation cases, both abroad and within the UK.

International Divorces

The breakdown of a marriage or civil partnership can be very difficult and this is only magnified when international elements complicate things. This could be your ex-partner residing abroad, that you got married abroad or that you are now living in a different country from where you were married.

If you have to apply for a divorce in another country to where you are living or where you got married, this is an international divorce. If your ex-partner is living in another country, it can be difficult to serve them with divorce papers and ensure that they engage with the divorce proceedings. It may be that you have the option of applying for divorce in multiple jurisdictions and can select which would be preferable. Our specialist lawyers are able to offer advice on all elements of divorce, financial separation and can also give advice about the benefits and/or disadvantages of pursuing divorce in the United Kingdom.

Our family lawyers do offer a free initial consultation by telephone in qualifying circumstances so please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance.