Consilia Legal are experienced International Family law solicitors in Leeds, London, Harrogate, York and Sheffield. International divorce may affect you if you or your spouse intend to start divorce proceedings and one or more of the following applies:
- You were married abroad;
- Either one of you was born abroad;
- Either or both of you live abroad (‘Expats’) in another EU Country or non-member state such as the United Arabic Emirates;
- You have foreign assets which need to be dealt with on divorce including overseas properties.
International divorce can be complex as significantly different outcomes can be achieved depending on the country where the divorce proceedings are issued and/or financial matters are resolved.
It is important to understand which country is most advantageous for you.
Can I get divorced in England
You can apply to issue divorce proceedings in England and Wales if one of the following criteria applies:
- When you begin divorce proceedings, both you and your spouse are habitually resident in England or Wales;
- Both you and your spouse’s last habitual residence was England or Wales and one of you still lives there when divorce proceedings begin;
- At the time the divorce proceedings begin, the Respondent to the divorce is habitually resident in Wales or England;
- For 12 months prior to the start of divorce proceedings, the Petitioner applying for the divorce has been habitually resident in Wales or England;
- For six months prior to the start of divorce proceedings, the Petitioner has been habitually resident in England or Wales, and is also domiciled there;
- You and your spouse are domiciled in England or Wales when divorce proceedings begin;
- No other court of a “contracting state” to the European Convention (‘Brussels IIA’) has jurisdiction, and either you or your spouse is domiciled in England or Wales when divorce proceedings begin.
What is domicile?
Everyone has a domicile of origin (where they were born), but it is possible to change this through choice so that a country which you consider to be your home becomes your domicile of choice.
Risks Involved
This is the place where you live on a voluntary basis with an intention to live there for a significant period of time.
What other situations involve international family law?
International family law may also affect you in circumstances where:-
- You and your fiancé/spouse intend to make a pre or post-nuptial agreement concerning overseas assets;
- You have concerns regarding child abduction or living arrangements for a child where one of you resides overseas.
What should i do next?
If your situation involves some element of international family law it is vital that you seek specialist advice from a family solicitor who has experience in dealing with international family cases so as to ensure that they work with you to achieve the best outcome for you.
